The bye week came at a good time for the fourth-ranked Florida Gators, who need to rest up for four straight weeks of head-to-head matchups against the SEC East. By the time the Gators (5-1, 3-1 SEC East) square off next Saturday against Kentucky (4-2, 1-2 SEC East), they should be the healthiest they’ve been since August.
The Gators should start the second half of their schedule a solid eight deep on the offensive line with Marcus Gilbert recovered from his high ankle sprain and they should be able to get spot duty from senior Jim Tartt. It’s highly doubtful that Tartt’s shoulder will allow him to play an entire game the rest of the way but if he’s used carefully, he can give the Gators some experienced depth for a few plays every game. Ten to 12 plays a game would be a huge boost for the Gators.
The week off has come at just the right time for Percy Harvin, who sprained an ankle against Arkansas. Harvin wasn’t 100 percent against LSU but he should be able to go an entire game at full speed starting with Kentucky.
At tailback, both Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody should be good to go against Kentucky. Rainey dislocated shoulder against LSU but he will get plenty of treatment and probably won’t see much contact in practice for at least a couple of weeks. Moody has a high ankle sprain and he probably won’t be 100 percent but should be good enough to get some action against Kentucky. Ideally, he will be ready to go full speed again against Georgia. Kestahn Moore, who has been dinged up all season, got a much needed week of rest and he should be healthier than he’s been since the Tennessee game.
Read the rest on our exclusive, members only BullGator Den forum!
Not a member? Join GatorCountry.com today and get the REAL inside scoop!