Florida coach Will Muschamp was pleased with the effort in the Gators’ 31-17 win over Tennessee on Saturday afternoon. “I’m really proud of our guys,” Muschamp said. “Injuries are a part of the game. I’m very proud of the guys.”
OFFENSE WAS GOOD: Muschamp had praise for Tyler Murphy who stepped in for Driskel. The first two series of the third quarter was the key to the game. Murphy made some good plays and he made some good checks according to Muschamp. “He managed the game well,” Muschamp said. “We will make adjustments to fit Tyler this week.” Muschamp said a huge play for him was Murphy hitting Quinton Dunbar on third down. Muschamp said he challenged Solomon Patton this offseason and asked him if he wanted to be a contributor or just a jet sweep guy.
DEFENSE: The secondary was a little banged up so that’s why they allowed some passes late in the game. “Our guys understand how we want to play here,” Muschamp said. “The defense understood we didn’t play the way we are capable of against Miami.” “Dante Fowler is an explosive player,” Muschamp said.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kyle Christy has to catch the ball on the punt. The snap wasn’t that bad, he should have caught the ball.
INJURIES: Valdez Showers had an ankle sprain and could be out some time. Tyler Moore and Marcus Roberson both should be back next week. Jon Halapio was poked in the eye but returned. Jeff Driskel will have season ending surgery on his fibia. Loucheiz Purifoy has a contusion on his thigh.
ETC: “I have a problem with the targeting rule,” Muschamp said. “Brian Poole was going for the ball and it was a bang bang play, he wasn’t trying to injure anyone.” “I hurt for him (Jeff Driskel) right now,” Muschamp said. “He’s a tough young man.” “I don’t know who looks worse, me running on campus or Darius (Cummings) on that interception return.”