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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 18, 2002
UF ready for 2nd big game
GAINESVILLE -- For Florida fans, the Miami game was a horrible experience -- a 41-16 loss at home to a hated rival.
But for Gator players and coaches, it turned out to be something much more: excellent preparation for Saturday's game against Tennessee.
When Florida plays its first road game of the season, coach Ron Zook said the Gators are looking forward to traveling to Knoxville and will be better prepared because of the Miami game.
"This is not our first big game, we've already played a big game," Zook said. "This is their first big game. If you take the two games they've played (Wyoming and Middle Tennessee) and you take the UAB and Ohio game and put the stats together, it's a very, very comparable matchup."
Zook and several Florida players, including quarterback Rex Grossman, said the negative press and talk of disgruntled fans is unwarranted, but said they won't concern themselves with any outside criticism.
"I know this, we are getting better," Zook said. "And because I see it and you don't, that doesn't mean I'm wrong and you're right."
WASHINGTON TO RETURN: Tennessee receiver Kelley Washington practiced Monday and is expected to play on Saturday.
FRESHMAN HONORED: Freshman center Mike DeGory will serve as one of four captains this weekend after being named offensive player of the game by Zook for his performance.
INJURIES: Zook said defensive end Darrell Lee (shoulder) said he wants to play this week, but is doubtful for the game. Also, Larry Kendrick strained his left MCL against Ohio and is doubtful.
-- ANTONYA ENGLISH, JILL MARTIN
With perennial Atlantic Coast Conference doormat Duke coming to Doak Campbell on Saturday, coach Bobby Bowden isn't concerned about his team overlooking the Blue Devilsand just focusing on upcoming games against Louisville, Clemson, Miami and Notre Dame.
"There's no reason (to overlook Duke)," Bowden said. "We're playing at home and it's early in the year."
The Blue Devils, who ended a 23-game losing streak by beating East Carolina 23-16 on Aug. 31, have never beaten Florida State in 10 games and have never scored more than 27 against the Seminoles. Duke comes into the game as a 45-point underdog.
McPHERSON RETURNS: The revolving door at backup quarterback has finally stopped with Adrian McPherson emerging as the top second-stringer. "(McPherson) had a great practice," Bowden said Tuesday. "He looked like his old self. For three weeks he's thrown the ball and I wondered how he was ever (Florida's high school) player of the year (in 2000). Today, though, he was wingin' it."
PLAYERS HONORED: Offensive tackle Brett Williams and kicker Xavier Beitia were named ACC players of the week.
-- JASON SCHNEIDER
After Monday's off day to regroup from a 42-3 loss to Arkansas, the Bulls returned to practice with a 21/2-hour workout.
"We've been here before, and we'll probably be here again somewhere down the road," coach Jim Leavitt said. "The key is how you deal with adversity when it comes. We've done some decent things through the years and we've done some things that weren't so decent. We try to get a little better all the time. We got sidetracked, and hopefully we can regroup and move forward."
INJURY UPDATE: Left guard Mark Sopcik did not participate in drills. The sophomore starter is nursing an ankle sprain and was held out.
NO. 1: Clearwater Central Catholic linebacker/defensive end Nick Capogna is the Bulls' first commitment for 2003. Capogna, 6 feet 5, 230 pounds, whose brother, Vinny, is a walk-on linebacker, will become the sixth CCC player on the roster when he signs in February.
-- ANTHONY GAGLIANO, PETE YOUNG