UF defensive line may be cause for concern

By Times staff, wires
Published September 14, 2007

GAINESVILLE - With the Gators preparing to host Tennessee on Saturday, Florida coach Urban Meyer said he is worried about his defensive line.

"I think if we hold up against the run (we'll be okay)," Meyer said. "My biggest concern is that defensive line going up against an SEC offensive line."

Aside from the offensive line, Tennessee also features outstanding running backs LaMarcus Coker, Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty.

After two disappointing performances by defensive tackles Clint McMillan and Javier Estopinan to begin the season, Meyer hinted last week that the two could be replaced in the starting lineup.

But for now, Meyer said he'll stick with the two veterans.

JAMES, ANDERSON READY: Sophomore running back and return specialist Brandon James is "full speed" and sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson is expected to be close to 100 percent for Saturday, Meyer said.

Anderson likely won't start, meaning true freshman Joe Haden and sophomore Wondy Pierre-Louis will start at corner for the third straight week.

NEWTON IMPROVING: Meyer said true freshman Cameron Newton has improved, and the coach is more comfortable with putting the quarterback on the field.

He compared Newton with former Florida quarterback Josh Portis, who occasionally played in his true freshman season.

Bryan Jones, Times correspondent

FSU: Andrews back

TALLAHASSEE - Seminoles defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews returned to practice and is expected to make the trip to Colorado with the team.

"It is good just to have him out there," coach Bobby Bowden said.

Andrews, who has had pneumonia, will likely coach from the box during Saturday's game.

"That is very probable," Bowden said.

Smith gets new gear:Antone Smith, who suffered a concussion in last week's 34-24 win over UAB, will play Saturday and will be wearing a new helmet. The junior starting tailback made the switch to the new "Revolution" helmet, designed to prevent concussions.

"I am just taking a precaution and wearing this other (helmet) just in case," Smith said.

Smith said the side effects from his concussion have been mild, and he is ready to go full speed.

"I haven't had any (problems) since Saturday," he said. "I feel pretty good."

Odds and Ends:Drew Weatherford will be the offensive captain. ... Starting tight end Charlie Graham slightly pulled his hamstring but is probable.

Jamey Givens, Times correspondent

USF: Fans grab tickets

TAMPA - Ticket sales since USF's upset of then-No. 17 Auburn on Saturday continue to be strong, such that Bulls officials expect the Sept. 28 home game with No. 4 West Virginia to set the program's 10-year-old attendance record.

USF's largest crowd came when 49,212 saw the Bulls' first game against Eastern Kentucky in 1997. That record will fall against West Virginia, as USF is selling tickets on the east side of the upper deck at Raymond James Stadium for the first time. The game could draw 60,000, and if both teams go into the game undefeated, it could sell out; the stadium's capacity is 65,857.

TV info: USF's Sept. 22 home game against North Carolina, set for a noon kickoff, will be broadcast on ESPN2, according to ESPN.com's football schedule.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Fast facts

Up next

Miami: vs. FIU, 3:30 Saturday, ESPNU

No. 5 Florida: vs. No. 22 Tennessee, 3:30 Saturday, Ch. 10

FSU: at Colorado, 10 Saturday, ESPN

USF: vs. North Carolina, noon Sept. 22, ESPN2

[Last modified September 14, 2007, 00:08:43]