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Gators' McCray changes his image

GAINESVILLE - After a slow start, Florida defensive end Bobby McCray was in search of something to turn around his final season.

He decided to shed his tough-guy image and removed his row of gold teeth. Since ditching his 12-karat smile, which had been in place since 2000, McCray's game has taken off. He now ranks second in the Southeastern Conference in sacks.

While he attributes his recent success to learning how to play through a nagging toe injury, he concedes he was searching for a change in image.

"I went from looking stupid to becoming a new Bobby," he said.

The senior has four sacks in the past two games while providing the kind of pass rush coach Ron Zook has been looking for all season.

"Bobby understands that this is his last year and this year is import to him that he plays well," Zook said. "The whole thing is that he is doing the things he's supposed to be, not only rushing the passer but playing and leading. He's getting better and better."

FIRST-YEAR PHENOM: While much of the talk about a Florida true freshman revolves around quarterback Chris Leak, punter Eric Wilbur has been as impressive.

Through five games the Orlando native has averaged 43.6 yards and has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line seven times.

"He was out there at practice the other day, and he wasn't thinking he was punting as good and he was," long-snapper Casey Griffith said. "I mean, he was punting better than I've seen. ... He's really good, I'm really proud of him. He's stepping up and helping us. I feel comfortable with him back there."

- BRIAN SHAFFER

TAMPA - South Florida coach Jim Leavitt said freshman receiver S.J. Green will start in place of Chris Iskra. The senior did not catch a pass last week in his return from a left elbow separation Aug.6. Green caught one pass for 6 yards.

PARTY TIME: The Tampa City Council will recognize USF Day today. The Bulls will play host to a pep rally at noon at Lykes Square. Mayor Pam Iorio will join USF president Judy Genshaft, athletic director Lee Roy Selmon and Leavitt for the rally.

FRAT HOUSE: Leavitt's weekly call-in show was held at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house, one of the new on-campus facilities that opened this year.

- ROB BRANNON

TALLAHASSEE - For St. Petersburg Catholic product Chris Davis, the Oct. 11 matchup with No.2 Miami is the type of game he has been looking forward to since coming to Florida State.

"I'm excited to be out there and be a part of a big rivalry," said Davis, a redshirt freshman wide receiver. "That's what I came to Florida State for."

Davis, third on the team with 13 catches for 120 yards and the leading punt returner, said he never was interested in becoming a Hurricane but hopes he can make a difference in the biggest game of his career.

"That's what all receivers try to do," he said.

REST AND RELAXATION: The fifth-ranked Seminoles get their first weekend off since practice began in early August. FSU wrapped up a three-day week of practices Thursday, and players won't have any team obligations until Sunday evening.

"We have had three good days of preparation now, and (we) told them get off, get refreshed," coach Bobby Bowden said.

The Seminoles will return to a normal practice routine Monday.

INJURY UPDATE: Kendyll Pope, hampered by knee and hamstring problems, didn't practice. Guard Bobby Meeks was limited Wednesday and Thursday as he returns from pneumonia.

- ZACHARY SPAIN