AUBURN, Ala. — After coaches said Mike Gillislee earned himself a more prominent role in Florida’s offense, the reserve running back was largely absent from the game plan in the Gators’ 17-6 loss to Auburn.
Gillislee led Florida in rushing yards against LSU a week ago, but only carried the ball three times in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
“We weren’t really doing much in the run game, so that kind of dictated (Gillislee’s workload),” coach Will Muschamp said. “We felt like we needed to open up a little more and work the perimeter. But we did have some read series runs where he was a part of that and didn’t get the ball.”
For the night, Florida rushed the ball 30 times for just 66 yards — the second time in three games the Gators have been held under 100 yards on the ground.
Running back Chris Rainey shouldered the load against Auburn, carrying it 16 times for 33 yards. Three times he was hit in the backfield for a loss, and three other times he was stopped for no gain. Gillislee racked up 16 yards on his three carries.
Injuries: Games aren’t the only things Florida has lost in October; the team has also been ravaged by injuries the last three weeks.
Florida played without Ronald Powell, who left the LSU game with an undisclosed injury, and running back Jeff Demps.
Although Muschamp said last week that everyone except quarterback John Brantley and cornerback Jeremy Brown would be ready for the game, he said after the loss that Powell did not practice all week.
Muschamp said he expects Powell, who has struggled to produce at times this season, to be ready for the Georgia game following the bye week. Senior William Green started in place of Powell, assisting on one tackle and notching two quarterback hurries.
Demps was listed as a game-time decision after spraining his ankle on a kick return against Alabama.
“We didn’t feel like he was full speed enough,” Muschamp said. “He practiced some this week. Not much.”
Starting left guard Dan Wenger was on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot after the game, and kicker Caleb Sturgis injured his leg in the first half.
Wide receiver Andre Debose tweaked his ankle during Florida’s first offensive series and played sparingly the remainder of the game.
Wide receiver issues: Muschamp fielded questions regarding his struggling wide receiver corps after the game.
No receiver on the Gators’ roster averages two receptions per game, and the team’s two leading receivers are Rainey (18 catches) and fullback Trey Burton (13 catches). Against Auburn, Florida’s leading receiver had 40 yards.
“That’s the biggest issue right now, just consistent play at the position,” Muschamp said. “We’re not getting enough consistent play at the position. I’m not going to get into a bashing of one position.”
Contact Tom Green at tgreen@alligator.org.
