GAINESVILLE - Gators captain Jarvis Herring said Saturday's loss against Alabama served a purpose.
"Some of the stuff (coach Urban Meyer) talks about sometimes, the guys finally really bought into it," Herring said. "Some of the stuff he tells us, you think "this isn't true' or "this can't be real.'
"We're figuring it out now. Everything he says, it comes true."
Herring said a lot of the younger players couldn't understand what Meyer was saying until they actually experienced such a bad loss.
Herring said a tough game would have made the Gators listen, but it didn't have to be a 31-3 domination.
"We needed a wake-up call," Herring said. "We didn't need to lose that bad, though. We got our (butt) whooped."
RESERVATIONS SECURED: The Gators will not have to travel on the day of the Oct. 15 LSU game, but their itinerary will be altered.
They learned last month that their contract with the Holiday Inn in Gonzales, La., would not be honored because the facility is housing evacuees from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Greg McGarity, UF's senior associate athletic director for internal affairs, said Tuesday the school has secured a verbal agreement with a Holiday Inn in Baton Rouge for 30 rooms and another 30 rooms at a Holiday Inn in Lafayette, which is approximately 50 miles southwest of Baton Rouge.
While the split accommodations aren't ideal, Meyer said it's better than flying into Baton Rouge on game day for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
OFFENSIVE LINE WOES: Florida center Mike Degory sat out a second day of practice with minor ankle and knee injuries, but Meyer said he is scheduled to return today. Tackles Jim Tartt (ribs) and Tavares Washington (shoulder) suffered minor injuries Saturday and Meyer said he can't say who will start on the offensive line this weekend.
- ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times staff writer, and IAN FISHER, Times correspondent
USF: Verpaele, Buie likely out until Rutgers
TAMPA - Safety Danny Verpaele and defensive end Jarriett Buie, once hopeful to be back from injuries for the Oct. 15 game at Pittsburgh, will miss at least two more games, with the Bulls' Nov. 5 game at Rutgers now their targeted return date.
"I think both would be ready, probably, full go for Rutgers," coach Jim Leavitt said. "They could play the last four games."
Verpaele (foot) played as a true freshman last season and started seven games, making a redshirt an option for him, but Leavitt said that hasn't been decided. Buie (ankle) has begun running with teammates during conditioning, but neither has practiced since suffering their injuries in the preseason.
STANDING PAT: Junior quarterback Pat Julmiste was benched briefly early in Saturday's loss at Miami, but Leavitt said he will start for the Pittsburgh game, despite throwing three interceptions. Sophomore Courtney Denson remains the top backup.
JUST WAIT: Freshman quarterback/receiver Carlton Hill, perhaps the most highly touted prospect in USF's recruiting class, has only three catches for 19 yards, but Leavitt said he likes what he's seen in the first five games.
"I've been more impressed with Carlton than I'd even imagined," Leavitt said. "His blocking, his route running. When he's running routes, he draws attention. His serious demeanor, his work ethic, his maturity."
IN LIMBO: Defensive end Maurice Charles, who transferred on scholarship from N.C. State in August, is no longer practicing with the team so he can focus on academics, Leavitt said. Charles has been a regular in the disciplinary conditioning work after practices.
- GREG AUMAN, Times staff writer
FSU: On the defensive
TALLAHASSEE - Wake Forest may be a traditional ACC opponent, but the Demon Deacons' 3-4 defensive scheme that FSU will line up against Saturday is a formation usually seen in the NFL.
"We've been doing a lot of work on assignments," coach Bobby Bowden said. "Assignments are going to be so big this week because they do so many different things on defense."
With only three defensive lineman, senior guard Matt Meinrod has his own plans to fend off the four linebackers.
"You can't be passive, that's the biggest thing," said Meinrod, a former East Lake standout. "I don't have any (defensive lineman) lined up over the top of me for the most part. So it's going to be a mental game, just keep my head on a swivel for linebackers and help my tackles and center out because they're going to be on an island."
Defensive end Darrell Burston had an MRI today on his right arm but test results were not available after practice. Burston, a 6-2, 250-pound junior, had his arm in a sling at practice Tuesday.
It may be easier for Bowden to get his players motivated due to Wake Forest's surprising 31-27 win over Clemson last week. It is still a concern for Bowden, however.
"They've got to be just as focused against Wake Forest as they were against Syracuse and they were against Boston College. If you don't, that's when the upsets occur," said Bowden. "Once you get ranked pretty good, whoever you play, you're higher than them so they've got everything to gain; they can try anything, they've got nothing to lose."
- D.C. REEVES, Times correspondent
UM: Dampened field to 'Canes advantage
CORAL GABLES - The Hurricanes used scattered showers to their advantage and had a solid practice that concentrated on fundamentals.
With rain in this weekend's forecast when Miami plays Duke, Hurricanes coach Larry Coker said Tuesday's dampened field was beneficial.
"We needed to get some work in the rain," Coker said. "We haven't had that luxury (yet). If we get rain on Saturday, we should have a little preparation for it."
Injured defensive backs Marcus Maxey and Greg Threat practiced and are expected to play this weekend. Linebacker Tavares Gooden had shoulder surgery Monday and will seek a medical redshirt.
- TIMES WIRES
Draddy Trophy semifinalists announced
Florida center Mike Degory, Florida State center David Castillo, Miami cornerback Kelly Jennings and Central Florida tight end Darcy Johnson are among the 63 Division I-A semifinalists for the Draddy Trophy, commonly called the "Academic" Heisman. All candidates must be seniors or graduate students in their final year of eligibility, have a grade-point average of at least 3.0, be a standout on the field and have demonstrated citizenship and leadership. A winner will be announced on Dec. 6.
