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GAINESVILLE - Despite missing practice last week and battling the flu, senior running back Ran Carthon likely will start in his final home game at Florida Field on Saturday.
Coach Ron Zook said after Thursday morning's practice that he'll likely defer to Carthon because he's a senior.
"Yeah, I think he'll probably (start)," Zook said. "Once again it doesn't matter who goes out there, it's who gets hot. And we've already proven we need them all. ... Ciatrick (Fason) probably should (start) although Ran is completely healthy. Ran was pretty sick there for a while and he missed both practices last week."
Fason, a sophomore, has started just once, but rushed for 190 yards in his last outing against South Carolina. Carthon has been hampered by injuries and illness, but has started 10 of 11 games this season. He missed the Arkansas game with a pulled hamstring. He is second on the team with 96 carries for 489 yards. Fason has 539 yards on 72 carries.
Florida has no significant injuries.
GIVING THANKS: The Gators spent the afternoon with the coaching staff and invited family members enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.
After morning practice, Zook took a moment to reflect on what he's most grateful for professionally this year.
"I'm most thankful, obviously for the opportunity to be here, for this team, for these players," he said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to play this great game and obviously play this team that's coming up. That's in football terms."
FORGET THE HYPE: Though the Gators are on a five-game winning streak, they are trying not to get caught up in the hype.
After all, not that long ago they were 3-3 and most had written them off.
"We're 60 minutes away from being right back where we were," Zook said, referring to criticism leveled at the Gators this season.
In fact, Florida was in this same position last year, with eight wins heading into its final two games. It lost both - to FSU, then to Michigan in the Outback bowl.
"We want to go out on a winning streak, knowing that last year our season is basically at the same point as it is now, but it went the wrong way," cornerback Keiwan Ratliff said.
ABOUT THAT DINNER ... : So with nearly 100 players at a buffet-style dinner, a lot of food will be consumed. How much depends on whom you ask.
"Our guys really don't chow down," Zook said. "I'll tell you who'll eat the slowest is (defensive tackle) Ray McDonald. He's the slowest eater I've ever seen. But the meals that we have, there's no one that really eats too much, because of Michelle (team nutritionist, Rockwell) they've been trained (good) habits and so forth. That's why you have nutritionist so you'll have good habits."
But earlier in the week, center Mike Degory said if you're not careful, you could lose a hand around a few players at the buffet table.
"Anthony Guerrero definitely comes to mind," Degory said. "I can put away some food myself, but I'd say keep your hands away from Max (Starks), Mo (Mitchell) and Anthony."