By Times Staff Writers
Published September 4, 2003
GAINESVILLE - Florida's practice Wednesday afternoon was filled with loud blasts from various speakers as the Gators tried to simulate the atmosphere they'll be facing Saturday night in the Orange Bowl.
With more than 40 new players, coach Ron Zook is well aware that he needs to get players acclimated to a hostile environment.
"I think it helped us last year," Zook said. "We wanted to do it last week because we have so many young guys, but the system was out and it wasn't working. But I think when you go into a hostile environment, just to get used to making all the calls and signals and so forth when they can't hear, I think it's important."
HARRIS FACES TRIAL: Although his attorney hoped to avoid it, it appears redshirt freshman defensive end Steven Harris will have his fate decided by a jury.
Gainesville state attorney Bill Cervone said Wednesday that jury selection will begin Monday for Harris, who is accused of beating a 22-year-old UF student last April, leaving him with a cut on his face that required 11 stitches. Harris faces a third-degree felony charge punishable by up to five years in prison.
Harris, who has pleaded innocent, was suspended from the team but was allowed to return to practice last week. He remains suspended from playing in games.
INJURY UPDATE: Freshman cornerback Dee Webb remains questionable for Saturday with a sprained ankle. Webb missed last week's game, but has practiced this week. "He'll be close," Zook said. "He didn't play too many plays (in practice) today and that concerns me. It'll be real close."
- ANTONYA ENGLISH
Bulls get look at option
TAMPA - Backup receiver Willie Williams and freshman walkon quarterback Anthony Severino are playing a critical role for South Florida this week, that of Nicholls State option quarterback Josh Son on USF's scout team.
"Willie is about the size of (Son)," USF coach Jim Leavitt said of the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Williams. "Nicholls State runs the option extremely well. They know what they're doing."
The Colonels rushed for 444 yards last week against Bethel College.
BLOCK THAT GUY: The Bulls are emphasizing punt protection against Nicholls State's All-American cornerback Chris Thompson, who blocked two in the Colonels' first game. "He's that good," Leavitt said.
IT'S RAINING AGAIN: The Bulls split time Wednesday between the practice field and the Sun Dome because of thunderstorms. Leavitt said he calls a weather service each morning and moves practice around the storms when possible.
STREAKS: The 40-17 loss at Alabama snapped USF's seven-game win streak, but the Bulls' 19-game home streak, third in the nation behind Miami (22) and Texas (20), is still alive.
POSSIBLY: Receiver Chris Iskra, sidelined a month with a dislocated elbow, might play Saturday. Leavitt said he is doubtful. "We need Chris bad," Leavitt said.
- PETE YOUNG
FSU's Beitia on target
TALLAHASSEE - When Xavier Beitia made a 55-yard field goal during 11-on-11 drills late in Wednesday's practice, coach Bobby Bowden couldn't help but let his enthusiasm show.
"I was kind of excited," Bowden said.
A three-year starter and Tampa Jesuit product, Beitia, whose career best is 50 yards, struggled late last season after his last-second 43-yarder at Miami sailed wide right in FSU's 28-27 loss.
Beitia, who is 30 pounds lighter this season, made an effort to improve his kickoffs. It showed against North Carolina, when he had touchbacks on all seven kicks. But he also missed a 41-yard field goal and his consecutive PAT streak ended at 80.
Bowden had questioned his accuracy during the preseason, prompting Beitia to say this week, "When it's game time I'm focused, dialed in and ready to go. I knew I'd be better in the game than in practice, so I didn't really worry about it."
After Wednesday's practice, maybe Bowden has reason to be excited.
WASHINGTON'S STATUS: Tailback Leon Washington, injured during the first quarter Saturday, will miss at least two weeks, Bowden said.
