Colleges

UF's Cooper steps in for injured Caldwell

By TIMES STAFF
Published September 11, 2007

GAINESVILLE -Two weeks ago, Riley Cooper had a career game in Florida's opener. Now he'll be asked to fill a huge void left by the loss of Andre Caldwell.

UF coach Urban Meyer said Cooper, from Clearwater Central Catholic, likely will be the replacement at receiver for Saturday's game against Tennessee.

"I just want to get out there and do what I can," said Cooper, who has five touchdowns on eight career receptions. "(Andre) basically said, 'It's your time to go in there and do something.' I'm going to try to do it and we'll see how it goes."

TEBOW HONORED: Quarterback Tim Tebow is the SEC offensive player of the week, the league office said Monday. Tebow was 18-of-25 for 236 yards and three touchdowns, and he led the team in rushing with 93 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns against Troy.

OLE MISS SET: The Sept. 22 game at Mississippi has been set for 12:30 on Ch. 38.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

FSU: Andrews still out

TALLAHASSEE - Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who missed Saturday's game with pneumonia, seems to be improving, but it's not clear when he'll return to work.

"He really sounds a lot better than he did on Friday, Saturday and even (Sunday) night," linebackers coach Chuck Amato said Monday afternoon.

Andrews visited the doctor Monday and is scheduled to return today to go over the results of tests, Amato said.

Coach Bobby Bowden said he's sure Andrews will want to be back out on the practice field and make the trip to Colorado for Saturday's game.

"But he needs to listen to his doctor," Bowden said.

PLAYERS' STATUS: Starting tailback Antone Smith practiced without contact Monday, two days after suffering a concussion against UAB, and said he will play against Colorado. "I am feeling pretty good," Smith said. "It's not as bad as they thought it would be."... Bowden said there's no news on whether defensive end Kevin O'Neil or receiver Joslin Shaw, who have been indefinitely suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules and have missed the first two games, will play Saturday.

Brian Landman, Times staff writer; Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

USF: Team of week

TAMPA - The Bulls were honored as the national team of the week after defeating Auburn in overtime Saturday.

USF earned the same honor for a 45-10 upset victory of then-ranked No. 9 Louisville in 2005.

UNC SET: The Sept. 22 game against North Carolina will be at noon, on ESPN or ESPN2.

ALLEN HONORED: Safety Nate Allen is the Big East player of the week. The sophomore had seven tackles, an interception, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble against Auburn.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer; Brendan Galella, correspondent

[Last modified September 11, 2007, 10:24:57]