UF's Meyer sticks with shaky kicker
By IAN FISCHER
Published September 28, 2006
GAINESVILLE - Despite five botched extra points and two missed field goals, Florida coach Urban Meyer is confident that Chris Hetland can make an important field goal if necessary.
"I have a lot of confidence in Chris Hetland," Meyer said. "I've coached some kickers that you look in their eyes and you're not quite sure what's going on up there. He's a very competitive young guy and very talented. I just wish he would've gotten more field goals. The two I gave him were long ones. I know he'll make it."
Two extra points were blocked by Kentucky on Saturday. Meyer said that the Wildcats lined up illegally on the first one. On the second one, Hetland kicked the ball too low.
Hetland has a sore groin and was limited in practice. He was 5-for-5 on Wednesday.
But Meyer said backup Eric Nappy is pushing Hetland.
"When I don't perform as well as I want to, I feel like I could lose my job," Hetland said. "I just have to do the best I can and hope it's good enough."
ETC.: Right guard Ronnie Wilson probably won't play against Alabama on Saturday, Meyer said. He fractured his ankle in the preseason and has yet to play.
- IAN FISHER, Times correspondent
USF: All Bulls for a night
TAMPA - The USF athletic department is preparing to go all out for the Bulls' first nationally televised game of the season, Friday on ESPN2 against No. 23 Rutgers.
USF shares Raymond James Stadium with the Bucs, but the Bulls plan on making the stadium look like their own.
Associate director of athletics Tom Veit said the athletic department plans to decorate the field.
"We always try to get the field painted for a national broadcast and for homecoming," Veit said. "But it all depends on the Buccaneers. We can only do it if they don't play at home within a week and a half."
Veit said painting the field, decorating the end zones and painting the USF iconic U at midfield will cost "a few thousand dollars" and requires new sod be put down to be painted and then replaced after the game.
Veit said this might be the only time USF gets to paint the field since the Bucs host New Orleans the Sunday after USF's homecoming game against Pittsburgh on Nov. 4.
- MIKE CAMUNAS, Times correspondent
FSU: Another guard hurt
TALLAHASSEE - Injuries forced Florida State to finish its practice without both starting guards.
Junior David Overmyer sprained his left ankle during the team's two hour workout, and junior Jacky Claude is being held out because of a mild concussion suffered during Saturday's 55-7 win over Rice.
Offensive line coach Mark McHale said neither player was expected to miss significant time.
FSU plays at North Carolina State on Oct. 5.
- ASSOCIATED PRESS