Seven starters from a year ago are not the only thing gone from the Gators’ defense this season.
The unit’s ability to create turnovers has also seemingly vanished.
“That’s something we’ve talked about a lot,” coach Will Muschamp said. “We’ve gone through and tried to emphasize to our players some opportunities that they had to strip the ball, to take the ball away.”
Florida has failed to create many turnovers this season.
Through 10 games, the Gators have forced six fumbles and intercepted nine passes; their total of 15 takeaways is tied for 83rd in the nation and tied for ninth in the Southeastern Conference.
Juxtapose that against the 30 turnovers the defense created last season, and it’s no surprise the team’s overall turnover margin has dipped from plus-15 a year ago to minus-3.
“When I was at Texas, we had a guy named Earl Thomas, who had 10 or 11 interceptions and four or five caused fumbles,” Muschamp said. “The next year we weren’t as good in turnovers [because] Earl Thomas wasn’t there.”
Florida has experienced similar upheaval among the players who consistently created turnovers last season. Matt Elam and Jon Bostic — two players who left the Gators for the NFL — totaled eight takeaways a year ago.
“You’ve got to develop in that role a little bit,” Muschamp said. “We’ve got to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Florida’s offense has experienced similar regression.
After finishing last season with 15 turnovers, the Gators have already coughed up the football 18 times this season.
“We know how critical it is to our success,” defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin said.
“We’ve got to protect the ball and get the ball out on defense. Obviously, we’re not winning in that area right now, and it’s affecting the outcome of the games.”
Murphy remains questionable: After sitting out of Florida’s 19-14 loss to then-No. 10 South Carolina on Saturday, quarterback Tyler Murphy remains questionable to play against Georgia Southern this weekend.
Muschamp said Murphy attempted to throw during practice Tuesday, but discomfort stemming from his sprained throwing shoulder remains.
“It’s all about his discomfort level right now, and it’s gotten better every day,” Muschamp said. “If you look from Sunday to today, it’s much, much, much improved. We’ll just to continue to work through that.”
Skyler Mornhinweg, who completed 10 of 13 passes for 107 yards with an interception in place of Murphy against the Gamecocks, continues to take first-team snaps in practice.
“If we had to play today, Skyler would start and be ready to go in the game,” Muschamp said.
Injuries: Florida’s patchwork offensive line will continue to lack one of its critical pieces this week.
Left tackle D.J. Humphries, who suffered a sprained MCL about a month ago, was ruled out for the game. Muschamp said Humphries tried to participate in practice but does not have enough strength in his knee.
Muschamp also ruled out Marcus Roberson (ankle) for Saturday’s game. Roberson, a junior cornerback, has not played since Nov. 2.
He was suspended for Florida’s game against South Carolina but would not have been healthy enough to play regardless.
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Tyler Murphy speaks on the sideline during Florida’s 19-14 loss to then-No. 10 South Carolina on Saturday in Williams-Brice Stadium.
