Colleges

UF scouting report

By ANTONYA ENGLISH, Times Staff Writer
Published November 3, 2007

No. 18 Florida (5-3, 3-3 SEC) vs. Vanderbilt (5-3, 2-3), 12:30

What's the one thing Florida - which has lost three of four and has numerous defensive injuries and a shaky secondary - doesn't need? An opponent with a big-time receiver and solid running game, which is what Vanderbilt brings. Earl Bennett last week became the SEC's all-time leading receiver and this season has 54 catches for 639 yards and four touchdowns. And the Commodores average 165 yards on the ground. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is still nursing a bruised right (nonthrowing) shoulder, and the Gators will try a new starting running back (Brandon James) due to Kestahn Moore's fumble troubles. Coach Urban Meyer also might rely more on receiver Percy Harvin, saying he would like to get the ball in his hands about 20 times. The Gators, who are among the SEC's top four in passing, rushing, scoring and total offense, faces a much-improved defense. The Commodores are fourth against the run, fifth against the pass and third overall - allowing 301 yards per game - while allowing 17.4 points per game. The Gators have won 16 straight over Vanderbilt. The last time the Commodores won in Gainesville was 1945, 7-0. (There was a 6-6 tie in 1958.) A victory makes Vandy bowl-eligible for the first time since 1982, when it went 8-4 and played in the Hall of Fame Classic (in Birmingham, Ala.; not the game in Tampa currently called the Outback Bowl).

[Last modified November 2, 2007, 20:14:44]