Florida coach Will Muschamp was pleased with how his team responded to an early deficit against Furman on Saturday.
However, he wasn’t at all pleased with the team’s performance that led to that 15-point hole.
“Defense was totally unacceptable,” Muschamp said Monday. “Tackling was poor, leverage with the ball, lack of communication in some areas, couple of blown situations for touchdowns — just totally unacceptable.”
Florida’s defense was gashed early, as it allowed Furman to gain 194 yards on 16 plays through the team’s first three drives, and the Gators once again struggled to stop the run, allowing 233 yards and two touchdowns on the ground to the Paladins.
Florida was also burned by Furman’s Wing-T offense early, as well as on a trick play in the first quarter.
While Muschamp said after the game it was a matter of “eye-control issues” on defense, Monday he said he was disappointed with the way many of his players approached the game.
“We’ve got some young guys that think you’re going to roll your hat out there and win games, and that’s not the way it works,” Muschamp said.
“Regardless of your opponent, you have to prepare all the time, so we let them know that after the game, during the game and then this morning. That’s not going to be tolerated.”
Injury report: Muschamp expects the Gators to be near full strength against the Seminoles on Saturday.
Offensive lineman Dan Wenger (ankle) and linebacker Lerentee McCray (shoulder) are expected to return to practice today. Tight end Jordan Reed, who suffered an ankle injury midway through the Furman game, is expected back by Wednesday.
Left tackle Xavier Nixon, who was “banged up” against the Paladins, and running back Chris Rainey (ankle) should play against the Seminoles on Senior Day this Saturday in The Swamp.
Redshirt senior quarterback John Brantley also said he’s “really close to 100 percent” after suffering an ankle injury against Alabama on Oct. 1.
“I’ve felt really healthy for a long time now, a couple of weeks, and I just keep seeing progress get better,” Brantley said.
Sturgis honored: Kicker Caleb Sturgis was named one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s top kicker.
Sturgis has made 21 of 25 field goal attempts this season, including three of 50 yards or longer, and he is tied for second in the nation for made field goals
Contact Tom Green at tgreen@alligator.org.
