OGGOA broke exclusive news on Wednesday about Florida Gators junior cornerback Moses Jenkins undergoing a procedure Monday to alleviate symptoms following complications from a concussion he suffered during the Kentucky Wildcats game a few weeks ago. We also reported that the coaching staff would seek a medical redshirt for Jenkins and that he was out indefinitely.

Jenkins underwent a procedure at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida on Monday to replace the cerebrospinal fluid that was being lost and not reproducing fast enough. He stayed overnight for observation and was visited by head coach Urban Meyer on Tuesday. The source said he is recovering nicely and getting extensive treatment to help the CSF begin circulating properly.

Meyer spoke with the press today and explained that Jenkins did indeed undergo a procedure this week. However, he added that the team is not going to seek a redshirt for him because the medical staff believes he will be able to return to action next week against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Great news.

While another site has attempted to discredit OGGOA‘s report by inferring we said Jenkins’ procedure was “serious surgery,” no such thing was actually written or implied. The key to this story is that Jenkins was considered doubtful for the LSU Tigers game and “50-50″ for the Arkansas Razorbacks game – yet he played in neither. After missing a third consecutive game, he underwent a procedure to correct issues he was still having and is truly out indefinitely because no one can actually predict when he will be able to return. He must both be cleared by doctors and feel well enough to play.

OGGOA, of course, wishes he is back on the field as soon as possible. We stand by the facts in our initial report about Jenkins’ procedure, though do admit that rather than saying the team would be seeking a redshirt for Jenkins, it should have been mentioned only as a possibility.

Tags: Arkansas Razorbacks, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Moses Jenkins, Urban Meyer, Vanderbilt Commodores

Two weeks ago, OGGOA wrote about the injury suffered by Florida Gators junior cornerback Moses Jenkins and how he was not getting nearly as much coverage as senior quarterback Tim Tebow, even though the extent of Jenkins’ injury was worse. In some ways the imbalance of coverage is understandable, considering Tebow’s immense celebrity. Take into account the severity of Jenkins’ injury, however, and he should be the one Gators fans are worrying most about.

According to a source close to Jenkins, the special teams star encountered complications following the whiplash and concussion he suffered against the Kentucky Wildcats. Because of the extreme trauma caused by the hit, Jenkins experienced a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak that was causing his brain to literally tilt inside the cranium. [CSF acts as a "cushion" and allows the brain to "float."] This left him with headaches, blurry vision and pain on one side of his face.

Jenkins underwent surgery [for clarification purposes, we'll call it a "procedure"] at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida on Monday to replace the CSF that was being lost and not reproducing fast enough. He stayed overnight for observation and was visited by head coach Urban Meyer on Tuesday. The source said he is recovering nicely and getting extensive treatment to help the CSF begin circulating properly.

Florida’s coaching staff is expected to seek a medical redshirt from the NCAA for Jenkins later in the week, hopefully allowing him to keep two years of eligibility going into what would have been his true senior season. OGGOA wishes Jenkins a speedy recovery and will update its readers with any additional information as it is provided.

Please read the UPDATED story on Moses Jenkins HERE.

Tags: Kentucky Wildcats, Moses Jenkins, Shands, Tim Tebow, University of Florida, Urban Meyer

RB Jeff Demps (sprained neck) – Hurt himself Saturday against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Expected to return to practice Tuesday or Wednesday and play vs. Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.

MLB Brandon Spikes (groin) – Aggravated injury two weeks ago against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Dressed for Mississippi State but did not play. Will return against Georgia.

DT Lawrence Marsh (ankle) – Keeps re-injuring the same ankle but has been held out extensively in order to help it heal correctly. Questionable but hopeful to return this week.

DT Justin Trattou (bicep) – Injured his bicep last week against Arkansas and was ruled out for Mississippi State immediately following the game. I am calling him doubtful for Georgia right now and do not expect him to play.

DT Jaye Howard (knee) – Questionable along with Marsh. Urban Meyer is of the belief that both will be able to play on Saturday.

DT Brandon Antwine (shoulder) – His shoulder problems do not seem to want to go away, and they only got worse this week. If Marsh and Howard return, Antwine will be held out (at least) for precautionary reasons.

CB Moses Jenkins (concussion) – Concussed in the same game as senior quarterback Tim Tebow, Jenkins has yet to return to action since the Kentucky Wildcats game. This may be the week if he is able to pass all of his baseline tests. Hope he gets better soon!

Tags: Arkansas Razorbacks, Brandon Antwine, Brandon Spikes, Jaye Howard, Jeff Demps, Justin Trattou, Lawrence Marsh, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Moses Jenkins, Urban Meyer

1 » Florida Gators senior quarterback Tim Tebow declined to speak to the press following a game for the first time in his collegiate career. Was he upset at his performance? Speaking/apologizing to the team? Was it a decision by head coach Urban Meyer? According to some Gators assistants, Tebow simply decided not to speak and was already on the bus when the press conference began. OGGOA will try to find out what really kept Tebow out of the spotlight following the Mississippi State Bulldogs game – if we can.

2 » It is obvious that the red zone is where the Gators are struggling the most this season. They are only 7-of-26 from it in SEC play. And no one is more frustrated about it than Meyer, who was very succinct when asked about it after the game. “I didn’t coach very well,” Meyer said. “I put Tim in some tough situations down in the red zone. Our red zone offense right now is really an issue and something we’ll get on during the plane ride home. For years, I can’t think of when we’ve never not lead the SEC or been in the top three [in red-zone production]. And we’re not. We have to evaluate what we’re doing.”

3 » Senior linebacker Brandon Spikes (groin) was dressed as if he would play Saturday night, yet he never stepped on the field. Florida sure could have used him in the interior, but did well enough without him to justify him standing on the sideline. It is almost decided that Spikes will return this week for the Georgia Bulldogs game. In other injury news, running back Jeff Demps (neck) was wearing a neck brace after the game, though Meyer told reporters there is no structural damage. Chris Rainey played well in his stead. Cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis pulled his hamstring on a return and should miss some time. The Gators hope to have Moses Jenkins back on returns next week, though his recovery from a concussion sustained against the Kentucky Wildcats is coming along slowly.

Continue Reading » SIX BITS: Wrapping up Florida at Mississippi State

Tags: Anthony Dixon, Brandon Spikes, Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps, Joe Haden, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Moses Jenkins, red zone, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, Wondy Pierre-Louis

Location: Davis Wade Stadium – Starkville, MS [Capacity: 55,082]
Time: 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Weather Forecast: 52°F – Clear skies

TV: ESPN
Online: Live for FREE at ESPN 360.
Sirius: 121; XM: 141

Odds: Florida -22.5, O/U 49.5
Head-to-Head Stats: Gainesville Sun

KEEP AN EYE ON…
- Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow…who is currently second all-time to former Georgia Bulldogs running back Herschel Walker in Southeastern Conference rushing touchdowns with 48. He needs one more to tie Walker’s record. Tebow has also thrown a touchdown pass in 32 of his 33 career starts.
- The UF secondary…which had its streak of grabbing an interception in 17 straight games snapped last week. It will be interesting to see if the unit, especially cornerback Janoris Jenkins, rebounds from last week.
- Florida’ Urban Meyer…who can become the first Gators head coach since Galen Hall in 1985 to win in Starkville.
- Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Anthony Dixon…who set a new school record in career rushing yardage last week when he eclipsed 3,299 yards.
- Head coach Dan Mullen, offensive line coach John Hevesy, strength and conditioning coach Matt Balis and graduate assistant Angelo Mirando…all of whom previously worked for the Gators but are now on the Mississippi State coaching staff.
- Gators tight end Aaron Hernandez…who had career highs in receptions (seven) and yards (92) last week vs. Arkansas Razorbacks. He has led Florida in receptions four times this season.
- Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis…who made three of four field goals last Saturday including a 51-yarder and game-winning 27-yard shot with nine seconds left.

STREAKS:
- The Gators are in the middle of the longest winning streak in school history with 16 consecutive victories. They also hold the longest active winning streak in the NCAA and the longest in the SEC since the Auburn Tigers won 20 straight from 1993-94 .
- With a win Saturday, Florida will go 3-0 in the SEC West for the first time since 1998.
- Florida is on an 8-0 road game winning streak, dating back to 2007. Their two best played games this season – against the Kentucky Wildcats and LSU Tigers – were both on the road.
- Florida leads the all-time series vs. Mississippi State 32-18-2, though the Bulldogs lead the series at their home 7-3.
- The Gators lead the SEC in total offense (470.5), rushing offense (259.8), scoring offense (36.3) and third-down efficiency (.514).
- Florida has converted 48.6% of its offensive drives into points in 2009, best in the SEC.

Read OGGOA’s complete Florida vs. Mississippi State preview after the jump…

Continue Reading » Week 8: No. 1 Florida Gators at Miss. St. Bulldogs

Tags: Aaron Hernandez, Angelo Mirando, Anthony Dixon, Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, Brandon Spikes, Brendan Beal, Caleb Sturgis, Carl Moore, Dan Mullen, Davis-Wade Stadium, Dorian Munroe, Galen Hall, Georgia Bulldogs, Herschel Walker, Janoris Jenkins, Jaye Howard, Jeremy Brown, Jermaine Cunningham, John Hevesy, Justin Trattou, Kentucky Wildcats, Lawrence Marsh, LSU Tigers, Matt Balis, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Moses Jenkins, Scott Field, SEC, Steve Addazio, T.J. Lawrence, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer

Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – Gainesville, FL [Capacity: 88,548]
Time: 3:30 p.m. (EST)
Weather Forecast: 68°F – Partly sunny

TV: CBS-HD
Online: Live for FREE at CBSSports.com.
Sirius: 217; XM: 201

Odds: Florida -24.5, O/U 58
Head-to-Head Stats: Gainesville Sun

KEEP AN EYE ON…
- Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow…who is currently second all-time to former Georgia Bulldogs running back Herschel Walker in Southeastern Conference rushing touchdowns with 48. He needs one more to tie Walker’s record.
- The UF secondary…which has an interception in 17 straight games back to 2008.
- Arkansas Razorbacks running back Michael Smith…who torched the Gators for 133 yards on 20 carries and 43 more on six receptions in 2008. Smith will be a game-time decision to play with a hamstring injury.
- Linebacker Brandon Hicks…who was shoved by Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett after making a hard tackle along the Arkansas sideline in 2008. Revenge?

STREAKS:
- The Gators have won seven consecutive games against the Razorbacks, never scoring less than 33 points in each victory. Florida is 7-1 all-time against Arkansas.
- Saturday’s game pits the top rushing offense in the SEC, Florida at 284.6 yards per game, against the top passing offense in the conference, Arkansas with 318.2 yards per game. The Gators also lead the nation in total defense (202.6 yards per game) and scoring defense (6.4 yards per game).
- Last time the Razorbacks played a No. 1-ranked team, they defeated the LSU Tigers 50-48 in three overtimes in 2007. Arkansas is 4-11 all-time in games against the No. 1-ranked AP team.
- The Gators are in the middle of the longest winning streak in school history with 15 consecutive victories. They also hold the longest active winning streak in the NCAA and are tied with the Auburn Tigers for the longest winning streak in SEC history.
- Scoring at least 41 points in four of their first five games, Arkansas has already beaten a ranked team this season, the then-No. 17 Auburn Tigers 44-23 last week.
- On Saturday, Florida looks to win its 21st consecutive homecoming game.

Read OGGOA’s complete Florida vs. Arkansas preview after the jump…

Continue Reading » Week 7: No. 1 Florida Gators vs. Ark. Razorbacks

Tags: Arkansas Razorbacks, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Bobby Petrino, Brandon Hicks, Brandon Spikes, Carl Moore, Georgia Bulldogs, Herschel Walker, Jarius Wright, Jaye Howard, Jelani Jenkins, Jeremy Brown, Joe Adams, Lawrence Marsh, LSU Tigers, Michael Smith, Moses Jenkins, Ryan Mallett, SEC, The Swamp, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer

1 » Florida Gators injury update for Saturday vs. Arkansas Razorbacks:
CB Moses Jenkins (concussion) – Out. Read this OGGOA story.
LB Jelani Jenkins (ankle) – Doubtful.
DL Lawrence Marsh (ankle) – In protective boot again. Doubtful.
DL Jaye Howard (knee) – Called “50-50” by Meyer. Questionable.
- Redshirt freshman Omar Hunter and senior Troy Epps will rotate on the inside.
WR Carl Moore (back) – Remains Out and struggling to get healthy.
CB Jeremy Brown (back) – Also remains Out, progressing faster than Moore.

2 » Arkansas Razorbacks star running back Michael Smith is being called a “game-time decision” by head coach Bobby Petrino to play on Saturday against the No.1 Florida Gators. Smith’s status remains in doubt after he tweaked his right hamstring in a Hogs win over the Auburn Tigers last weekend.

3 » Standing 6’7″ and 238 pounds, Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett is an example of your prototypical NFL passer. Tim Tebow, at 6’3″ and 242 pounds, serves as more of a physical threat with his strength, but often tucks and runs when Mallett would bide more time in the pocket. To paraphrase Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel, Tebow has finally met his physical match – and polar opposite – at quarterback.

4 » Featuring former Gators National Championship and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel as host and entertainment including comedian Dana Carvey, band O.A.R. and dance troupe Jabbawockeez, the 2009 Gator Growl is looking to be a big-time hit. The world’s largest student-run pep rally is in its 86th year of existence and looks to entertain Gators fans and visitors Friday night in The Swamp!

Tags: Arkansas Razorbacks, Auburn Tigers, Bobby Petrino, Carl Moore, Dana Carvey, Danny Wuerffel, Gator Growl, Heisman Trophy, Jabbawockeez, Jaye Howard, Jelani Jenkins, Jeremy Brown, Lawrence Marsh, Michael Smith, Moses Jenkins, National Championship, O.A.R., Omar Hunter, Ryan Mallett, The Swamp, Tim Tebow, Troy Epps

The talk of college football two weeks ago was Florida Gators senior quarterback Tim Tebow being knocked out of the Kentucky Wildcats game with a concussion. Barely being mentioned in the same time span was the injury to cornerback and special teams stud Moses Jenkins. Like Tebow, Jenkins suffered a concussion that Saturday in Lexington, KY. Unlike Tebow, Jenkins had whiplash to go along with it and has yet to be cleared to practice, let alone play in a game.

Not all concussions are the same and Jenkins’ slower recovery is not raising any additional concerns – yet. He is undergoing the same baseline tests and taking the same precautions Tebow did, just simply not showing the same progression. Head coach Urban Meyer is calling Jenkins “50-50″ for the Arkansas Razorbacks game, but the fact of the matter is that Jenkins will not play Saturday. And maybe not the week after that either.

OGGOA will update Jenkins’ health as more information is made available.

Tags: Arkansas Razorbacks, Kentucky Wildcats, Moses Jenkins, Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer