11/3: Florida coach Meyer’s SEC teleconference

OGGOA had the opportunity to participate in Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer’s Southeastern Conference teleconference on Wednesday (we will be doing so every week). Below are some notes from the event:

RUNNING BACKS ARE HEALTHY

Junior Jeff Demps saw limited action Saturday against Georgia, and redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Rainey (carrying the ball due to lack of depth) returned from suspension during the same game. Somewhat conspicuous by their absences last weekend were RBs sophomore Mike Gillislee (hamstring) and redshirt senior Emmanuel Moody (thigh), both of whom were still hobbled with injuries. Meyer declared both players 100 percent “for the first time in a while” on Wednesday, also noting that Demps (foot) continues to be evaluated daily.

Other injury updates from Meyer:
» Redshirt freshman WR Andre Debose (ankle) – will participate in practice on a limited basis Wednesday, return in full Thursday
» Junior kicker Caleb Sturgis (back) – will not play Saturday
» Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Jaye Howard (ankle) – did not practice Tuesday but may see the field Wednesday
» Redshirt senior guard Carl Johnson (calf) – strained his calf during practice but should return to practice soon and will be a full-go Saturday

PROUD OF BRANTLEY, BURTON

Asked if he upset at how redshirt junior quarterback John Brantley has been playing recently (considering he has no touchdowns and five interceptions in his last four games), Meyer said he is “a little disappointed” in his performance but refuses to pin the offense’s previous struggles on him, saying many players were at fault for his miscues. Meyer added that Brantley has handled adversity “like a grown man” this season and is very proud of him.

As far as freshman QB Trey Burton goes, Meyer realizes that the team has put a lot on his plate and thinks “it should be illegal what we ask that kid to do,” in regards to the multiple positions he plays on the team. He believes Burton has brought “tremendous value” to the team with his talent and work ethic but refused to compare his contributions to those of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow in 2006 saying he is impacting the team in a similar not same way.

QUOTES (After the break…)

Meyer’s opening statement: “Our players responded to the bye week. I noticed it in practice the week before the Georgia game and then they responded well during the course of the week and then a game against a very talented team they kept fighting and fighting.”

Meyer on injuries hampering the offense: “Every school, when you watch the teams that are able to make a successful run for a championship, more than anything they’re a healthier team.”

Meyer on his offense vs. Georgia: “That looked like Florida football.”

Meyer on the secondary’s performance: “We gave up some yards. That fourth quarter, I would say that we didn’t play very well in the secondary and linebackers.” That being said, Meyer attributed the win to the secondary for short fields and putting the team in great positions throughout the game.

Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Robbie Caldwell on Florida: “They whipped the Georgia team that, of course, we already played. Coach Meyer’s done a beautiful job; he’s got the youngest team in America.”

Caldwell on Florida and its no-huddle: “It’s impressive to see how much progress they’ve made playing some of the younger players.”