Colleges

University of Florida keys

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
Published September 29, 2007

FLORIDA-AUBURN THREE KEY MATCHUPS

Auburn de Quentin Groves vs. Florida rt Carlton Medder: Groves is a preseason Lombardi Watch List candidate who needs just two sacks to break the Auburn school record (27). Medder is a redshirt senior who started all 14 games last season. Medder's biggest challenge is to try to neutralize Groves. As the Tigers' best pass rusher, Groves will be coming at Florida quarterback Tim Tebow from his blind side because Tebow is left-handed.

Florida DE Derrick Harvey vs. freshman LT Ryan Pugh or senior King Dunlap: Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said this week that the tackle spot is back open and King would have to compete for the starting job. If he doesn't win it back, the tenacious Harvey will have a freshman on the other side of the line. That mismatch might force Auburn to use its fullback or tight end to help out on Harvey.

Auburn DB Jerraud Powers vs. Florida WR Percy Harvin: Against Ole Miss last week, Florida struggled to get any deep passes because the Rebels spent a great deal of time playing cover-2 and cover-3, preventing Tebow from finding his big playmakers. Auburn likes to blitz, which could leave the corners out on an island, in one-on-one coverage. That's just the kind of game Florida likes to play.

[Last modified September 28, 2007, 18:58:47]