Colleges

Gators to prepare for title game in 3 phases

Florida's four practices this week have been low-key because of final exams.

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published December 15, 2006

GAINESVILLE - Coach Urban Meyer said he and his staff have agreed on a three-phase plan to prepare for the Jan. 8 national title game against No. 1 Ohio State, and the Gators will get back to game-week preparations next week.

Florida's four practices this week have been low-key because of final exams.

"Greg Mattison, Charlie Strong co-defensive coordinators and Dan Mullen (offensive coordinator) and I met and we're going to treat it with three phases," Meyer said. "First phase starts Monday. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Second phase will be when they get back from Christmas. And then they get New Year's Day off, and the third phase will be game week. So we're going to try to go with three game weeks."

Meyer, meanwhile, has had several former players, including those from the 1996 national championship team, speak to the Gators, and many others have made their presence felt during practices.

"Being around him he's very passionate about college football and he's very passionate about the history of the university," former quarterback Kerwin Bell said Thursday after practice. "I think he realizes this is a great university that has had some great football players. I think he realizes when he brings those guys back, it brings a special feeling back to the university and to his team to let them understand that you're part of something special."

DIVISION II HONORS: Cullen Finnerty and Eric Fowler, Grand Valley State's prolific pass-catch combo, head the Associated Press Little All-America team. Finnerty is the top-rated quarterback in Division II with 2,995 yards and 40 touchdown passes. Fowler leads the nation with 1,598 yards receiving and 21 touchdown catches. Grand Valley State (14-0) seeks its second consecutive title when it plays Northwest Missouri State (14-0) Saturday in Florence, Ala., for the Division II national championship.

S.E. LOUISIANA: Michael Lucas, interim coach for much of the past season, has been elevated to head coach pending approval by the University of Louisiana System.

MICHIGAN: First-team All-America tackle Jake Long said he will return for his senior season.

CLARETT MOVED: Former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett has been transferred to the Toledo Correctional Institution, a close-security prison that has only single cells. He won't be isolated, however, and will be able to exercise and eat with other inmates. The former running back is serving a 31/2-year sentence for aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon.

Information from Times wires was used in this report. Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 23, 2006, 11:16:08]