Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain spoke to the media on Monday ahead of Week 2. He discussed injuries and play calling from Saturday’s 33-17 loss to Michigan as well as some plans for this week’s game against Northern Colarado.
Here’s what he had to say:
- Despite some mistakes, he did not feel the stage was too big for the young players at AT&T Stadium against a strong opponent.
- Chauncey Gardner and DeAndre Goolsby had MRI’s. More will be known on their injuries later in the week.
- TE Moral Stephens and DB’s Brad Stewart and Jeawon Taylor will be looked at to step up this week with Goolsby and Gardner possibly out.
- James Robinson will be back this week.
- No word on whether the nine guys involved in the investigation will be back or not.
- Feleipe Franks will be the starter again this week.
- McElwain does not regret going to Malik Zaire and sticking with him through the end of the game.
- McElwain will not take over offensive play calling this week, but said he has to make sure the guys who need to touch the ball do.
- McElwain said he and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will watch a lot of film this week and get things back going right.
- “We’ve gotta step up around him (Nussmeier) and make sure we get some things going in some other spots.”
- “We’re working to build this thing into something great.”
- The offensive line has to work on blocking better this week for the deep ball to become more of an option.
- He was impressed in the play of Jordan Sherit and Jachai Polite on the defensive line Saturday.
- “David Reese played fantastic.” He led the team with 11 tackles against Michigan.