Donovan: Gators playing in Tampa is good for fans and team

TAMPA - Florida coach Billy Donovan said Friday night he likes the idea of bringing his team to Tampa for at least one regular-season game.

The Gators played for the second consecutive season at the St. Pete Times Forum Friday night, defeating Vermont 86-61.

It was the first road game of the season for Florida.

"I like doing this,'' Donovan said. "It's good for our fans in this area or down in Miami (the Gators will play in Sunrise Dec. 29). The Gator Nation in this state is spread so widely and basketball is different than football and tailgating on a Saturday. When you play Tuesday-Saturday, it's hard sometimes for people 2 or 2 1/2 hours away to come to a game. So to be able to come and play in one of the larger cities in the state, I think it's good for us.''

Freshman Nick Calathes led all Gators with 21 points and guard Jai Lucas and St. Pete native Marreese Speights scored 15 each. Chandler Parsons also added 10.

Tebow practices with cast; Trautwein returns

Tim Tebow practiced for the first time with his non-throwing right hand in a Gator blue cast on Thursday, but said he's adjusting to playing with one hand.

Tebow broke the hand during the third-quarter touchdown run in last Saturday's game against Florida State.

“I’m not sure exactly how it broke, I guess I hit someone going in,’’ Tebow said. “It’s painful, it’s a broken hand. But I was too excited, it being Florida State, to worry about that.’’

Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said he's not concerned about Tebow being able to play in a bowl game.

"Shoot, he played with a broken leg in high school,'' Mullen said. "The hand was something pretty minor. They grabbed me after the game and said take a look at this. I said what hand is that? They said right. I said then it’s no big deal, we’re good to go.''

Also on Thursday, center Phil Trautwein practiced after missing the season with a broken right foot. The foot is still heavily taped.

"I went full go today,'' he said. "I feel good. I did everyting the offensive line did today. I just had some soreness because my ankle hasn't been doing this much, but that's it.''

Trautwein said he's eager to get into bowl practices, which will give him an opportunity to get a head start on the spring after missing so much.

"That's another kind of spring,'' he said. "I get 15, 20 practices to get better, so
that's what I'm looking at.''

Tebow named Manning Award finalist

Quarterback Tim Tebow is among 10 finalists for the 2008 Manning Award, presented to the nation's top college quarterback.

Also on Thursday, Tebow was selected to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Football Team.

A first-team recipient, Tebow is the first Gator football player to garner an Academic All-American honor since Terry Jackson was chosen to the second team in 1998. Tebow became the first Florida player named to the first team since Danny Wuerffel in 1996.

A Family, Youth and Community Sciences major, Tebow has earned a 3.76 GPA.

The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. The winner will be announced following the holiday bowl season. It is the only quarterback award that takes into consideration the candidates'
bowl performance.

Tebow recently eclipsed the school record for total offense in a season with 3,970 yards, previously held by Rex Grossman (3,904 yards in 2001) in his performance against Florida State.

Other finalists are: Erik Ainge (Tennessee), Sam Bradford (Oklahoma), Colt Brennan (Hawaii), Chase Daniel (Missouri), Dennis Dixon (Oregon), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Matt Ryan (Boston College) Patrick White (West Virginia) and Andre' Woodson (Kentucky).

USC's Matt Leinart was the inaugural winner of the award in 2005, followed by Texas' Vince Young in 2006. Last season, LSU's JaMarcus Russell earned the award.  All three players went on to become first-round draft picks in the NFL.

Tebow became the only player in college football history to achieve 20-20 marks for rushing and passing touchdowns in a single season with 22 and 29 scores, respectively. He is also the all-time SEC single-season rushing touchdown leader (22) and set career highs in completions (25) and yards (338) against FAU.

Tebow leads the SEC in total offense, completion percentage, touchdowns and passing efficiency. He has rushed for at least one touchdown and thrown for a touchdown in 13 consecutive games, UF’s longest string and the longest current active streak nationally. He leads Florida in rushing with 838 yards on 194 carries for a 4.3 average. In addition, he already has the most yards rushing by a Florida quarterback in a career with 1,218 yards.

Tebow maintains lead in Scripps Heisman Poll

Tim Tebow remained his first place standing in the weekly Scripps Howard Heisman Trophy poll, but the other contenders are hot on his heels, including Arkansas running back Darren McFadden who gained on Tebow after his big-time performance in the Razorbacks' win over then-No. 1 LSU.

After leading Florida to a 45-12 win over Florida State, Tebow earned six of 10 first-place votes. But his lead over McFadden is njust eight points. Last week, Tebow led Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel by 13 points. Interestingly,  Daniel dropped to third this week despite leading his team to a 36-28 win over Kansas.

Compiled by The Rocky Mountain News, the Scripps poll is comprised of 10 voters, all college football writers. It is in its 21st year, the longest of any poll in the nation.

Next week’s final poll has correctly has predicted the Heisman winner 17 of the previous 20 seasons.

Here is this week's poll, with stats from last week's games. First place votes are in parentheses.

Name, Position, School, Last Week, Points

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida, 19-of-28, 262 yards passing, 3 TDs, 89 rushing yards, 2 TD runs, 44 (6).

2. Darren McFadden, RB,

Arkansas

, 206 yards rushing, 3 TDs, TD pass, 36 (2).

3. Chase Daniel, QB,

Missouri

, 40-of-49, 361 yards, 3 TDs, 32 (1).

4. Pat White, QB,

West Virginia

, 9-of-13, 107 yards passing, TD, 26 (1), 186 yards rushing, 2 TDs.

Others receiving votes: Colt Brennan (QB,

Hawaii

) 5; Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech) 3; Matt Ryan (QB,

Boston

 

College

) 2; Chad Hall (RB, Air Force) 1; Todd Reesing (QB,

Kansas

) 1.

Fayson leaves the program

GAINESVILLE - Running back/receiver Jarred Fayson has asked for permission to transfer, and it has been granted by the Florida coaching staff.

According to those close to the situation, Fayson's release will not allow him to transfer to any school in Florida.

A former star quarterback at Hillsborough High, Fayson has been contemplating his future with the Gators for some time.  He has acknowledged he thought of leaving after playing sparingly last season, but said former receiver Dallas Baker convinced him to stick around, promising him that with hard work and patience, his time would come.
  He has played in all 11 games this season with 19 rushes for 89 yards. He also had 12 receptions for 148 yards, including a long of 30 yards.

But he did not play at all in Saturday’s win over Florida State.

Fayson is among two area players who have left the team this week. Tight end Trent Pupello has also decided to transfer. He did not see action in any games in two seasons.

Drew Miller honored by SEC

Senior center Drew Miller was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week on Monday.

It is the first honor for Miller in his career.

Miller started all 12 games this season after moving from guard to center. He is the leader of a unit that didn’t allow a sack in seven games this season.

Tebow has fractured right hand

GAINESVILLE - Quarterback Tim Tebow played the latter part of Saturday night's game against Florida State with a non-displaced fracture in his right, non-throwing hand, school officials confirmed Sunday morning.

Tebow, considered by many to be the leading Heisman candidate, will be in a cast for 2-3 weeks. The injury was not diagnosed until after Tebow's postgame news conference.

Tebow was 19-of-28 for 262 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

This season, he has 838 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. He is 217-of-317 for 3,132 yards, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 22 rushing touchdowns ties the NCAA record for most by a quarterback in a single season.

He also has a school-record 3,970 yards of total offense and his 51 total touchdowns is an SEC record.

Despite the injury, he is expected to play in Florida's bowl game.

Joiner is captain one last time

GAINESVILLE - Florida senior safety Tony Joiner was given his role as team captain back by Gators coach Urban Meyer prior to Saturday's Florida-Florida State game.

Meyer said earlier in the week he was considering given Joiner that title back.

Joiner lost his captaincy prior to the LSU game for removing his girlfriend's car from a tow company without paying the towing bill.

The owner said it was a misunderstanding and he didn't want Joiner arrested.

The State Attorney's Office later elected not to pursue charges.

Joiner said earlier in the week he'd talked with Meyer about playing his final game as a captain and he'd consider it.

Florida signs SEC's best basketball class

With one day remaining in the early signing period, the Gators wrapped up their official signing class with five letters of intent Tuesday afternoon.

According to Rivals.com, it's the No. 1 class in the SEC and the No. 5 class in the nation.

The Gators received letters of intent from power forwards Eloy Vargas (American Heritage HS/Plantation, Fla./Dominican Republic), and Allan Chaney (New London HS/New London, CT), center Kenny Kadji (IMG Academy and Pendleton School/Bradenton, Fla./Cameroon), guard Ray Shipman
(Monsignor Pace HS/Miramar, Fla.) and point guard Erving Walker (Christ The King HS/Brooklyn, NY).

“We’re very excited about this year’s recruiting class,” Florida coach Billy Donovan said. “We felt like we had to address some areas with the early departures we had last year, and were able to do that with some size in the frontcourt, while adding quality players to the backcourt and perimeter as well.”

Vargas is a 6-10, 210-lb., native of the Dominican Republic who averaged 21.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game for American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., last year. Chaney, who stands 6-8, 220lbs., averaged 25.0 points and 14.0 rebounds for New London High School during his junior year.

Kadji, already 6-10 and 240 lbs., is a native of Cameroon, but has been in Bradenton, Fla., playing at the IMG Academy and the Pendleton School and played on the AAU level for the Florida Rams, the same team that produced current Gator Marreese Speights.

Another product of the Florida Rams, Ray Shipman will join the Gator backcourt next season. The 6-3 shooting guard was the MVP for Monsignor Pace’s 4A state championship team a year ago.

Walker was named to the New York Daily News All-City first team and to the New York Post All-CHSAA first team a year ago. The 5-8 point guard averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game for tradition-rich Christ The King.

Basketball team gets first ranking of the season

On the strength of its 4-0 start, Billy Donovan's young Florida basketball team is ranked for the first time this season.

The Gators are No. 25 in the Associated Press poll and are in at No. 24 in the USA Today coaches poll.

Donovan said don't put too much stock in the ranking.

"I think we’ve done a good job these first four games,'' he said. "Does it warrant us being in the Top 25? I don’t think so. I think if we’re in the Top 25, a lot of it has to do with what we’ve done these first four games and I think a lot of it has to do with what’s happened the last couple of years out of respect for the team winning the championships.''

Florida will play North Florida Tuesday night at 8 in the O'Connell Center.

Women's Cross Country has best ever finish

The Florida women's cross country team earned the best NCAA Championship finish in school history, placing 11th at the 2007 NCAA Championships held Monday afternoon in Terre Haute, Ind.

Four of the Gators' top five finishers placed in the top 100 for team scoring individually to help earn the school-record finish.

The Gators were the top finishing SEC team at the national championship. Arkansas finished two spots behind them in 13th and Georgia was 22nd.The Stanford women won their third consecutive team title with 145 points. Sally Kipyego from Texas Tech won her second individual title, finishing the 6K race in 19:30.9.

Junior Jacy Kruzel led the Gators with a 60th place finish and a 6K time of 21:15.8. Her finish was the best individual finish by a Gator in the NCAA Championship since Kris Jost finished 43rd in 1999.

"This team just has a great chemistry," UF coach Jeff Pigg said. "These women are not only good athletes, they are great people. Ali Crabb and Alison Babb are both walk ons and we would not be here today without them. Babb didn't run until SECs and she has just continued to get better. She is good because she wants to be. She has the best attitude and desire. Lindsay is so unselfish. She was disappointed with her individual performance until she saw how high we placed as a team. Her goal this year has simply been for the team to do well. Jacy is a strong Florida kid, who just keeps getting better. Rebecca Lowe came here and added depth and talent to this team. I just cannot say enough about these athletes, how hard they work and how proud of them I am.''

Tebow finalist for two national awards

Tim Tebow on Monday was named a finalist for the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards.

Tebow joins Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden on the Maxwell list, presented to the best all-around college player.

The O'Brien award honors the nation's best quarterback. Along with Tebow, Missouri's Chase Daniel and Dixon are up for the award.

The awards are among nine that will be given during the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards, which will be announced on Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN at the Walt Disney World Resort In Lake Buena Vista.

Miller learns lesson the hard way

The next time senior center Drew Miller decides to pack for a trip, he might want to read the security policies more clearly.

Miller was detained after the Gators' 51-31 win over South Carolina at the Columbia airport when security officials discovered he was carrying a bottle of shampoo that didn't meet security requirements - the container it was in was too large. Security officials threw it out, which apparently didn't sit well with Miller.

A discussion with a TSA security agent ensured and after Miller made a few choice comments, he was told he couldn't accompany the rest of the team on the charter which left Columbia about 1:30 a.m.

Miller, from Sarasota, was forced to travel back to Gainesville in a van with the team trainers, arriving home in about seven hours instead of an approximately less than 90-minute flight.

According to school officials, Miller later apologized to the security officials for his behavior.

Miller has played in 40 games at UF with 28 starts, including 24 straight. He was an All-SEC selection last season, who which to center this year.

Injuries mount after FAU game

Florida won big over FAU Saturday, but suffered injuries to some key players.

Freshman defensive lineman Mike Pouncey suffered a hyperextended knee with nine seconds remaining in the first half and did not return. Linebacker Brandon Spikes did not start and played sparingly due to tendonitis in his knee.

Cornerback Joe Haden sprained his ankle and defensive end Lawrence Marsh suffered a foot injury.

UF coach Urban Meyer said he didn’t know the players’ status for the FSU game.

Sophomore receiver Percy Harvin missed his second game due to migraine headaches, but Meyer said he is probable for Saturday. He was on the sidelines briefly Saturday, Meyer said.

Brandon James misses game due to suspension

If you're wondering why kick/punt returner Brandon James wasn't returning on Saturday, it's because he was on punishment by Urban Meyer.

The sophomore did not play in Saturday’s game because he was suspended for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.

“There are certain things we expect on and off the field and the didn’t meet those expectations this week,’’ Meyer said.

James, who is third in the nation in punt returns, was suspended for the season-opener after his arrest last summer for attempting to buy marijuana from undercover police officers.

Anyone want the Heisman? Anyone?

The race for the Heisman Trophy is wide open again, and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is back on the lead lap.

The award appeared to be Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon’s to lose. But with the senior star’s  knee injury in Thursday night’s nationally televised loss to Arizona, the focus has shifted.

In this week’s Scripps Poll, based on weekly votes before Thursday of 10 college football writers and compiled by the Rocky Mountain News for the past 21 years, Dixon had 45 total points, followed by Tebow with 43. Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel had 20 points. The final poll, taken in December, has correctly predicted the Heisman winner 17 of the previous 20 seasons.

In ESPN.com’s weekly poll of voters, Dixon led 74-57 over Tebow, with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and Daniel tied for third.

With Dixon’s injury, Tebow appears to move back into the top spot, but the way this season has gone, nothing is set in stone.

Although some have suggested Tebow can’t win because of the Gators’ three losses, history proves that’s not true: Of the 72 Heisman Trophy winners,  nearly 20 percent have come from teams with three or more losses. However, no sophomore has ever won the award.

Here is Tebow’s Heisman resume :
• 19 rushing touchdowns, more than any of the following ever did in college:  Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker, Shaun Alexander, Bo Jackson, Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, Ron Dayne and Archie Griffin.

•  42 touchdowns accounted for, an SEC record and more than 85 Division I-A teams, including 11 in the current AP Top 25. Only two quarterbacks who won the Heisman have ever accounted for more: Andre Ware (1989, 49), Ty Detmer (1990, 45).

• More rushing touchdowns  than Arkansas’ Darren McFadden (Tebow 19, McFadden 12).

• Fewer than  half the interceptions of Boston College’s Matt Ryan has (Tebow 5, Ryan 13).

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Dixon takes national stage tonight

Florida fans hoping to see quarterback Tim Tebow win a Heisman Trophy this season should be in front of their television sets tonight.

Tebow's strongest competition, Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon, will have the national spotlight when the Ducks play Arizona in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The award seems to be Dixon's to lose, at least for now, and his performance tonight could go a long way in either widening his lead over Tebow - or helping Tebow close the gap.

In the most recent unofficial poll compiled by The Rocky Mountain News in Denver, the Scripps Poll, Dixon remains the No. 1 pick in the Heisman race, followed closely by Tebow.

Now in its  21st year, the Scripps Poll the longest running weekly Heisman poll in the country. The final poll, taken in December, correctly has predicted the Heisman winner 17 of the previous 20 seasons.

There are 10 voters, all college football writers and two from each voting region, who vote for five players each week. The tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with first place receiving five points, second four, etc. First-place votes are in parentheses.

Here is this week’s poll, with statistics from last week:

Name, Position, School, Last Week, Points
1. Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon, Did not play. 45, (6).
2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida, 22-of-32, 304 yards passing, 2 TD passes, 120 rushing yards, 5 TD runs, 43 (4).
3. Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri, 27-of-35, 352 yards, 3 TD passes. 20
4. Pat White, QB, West Virginia, 16-of-25, 181 yards, 2 TD passes, 147 rushing yards, TD run. 19.

Others receiving votes: Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas) 12; Todd Reesing (QB, Kansas) 5; Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma) 3; Jim Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State) 2; Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech) 1.

Florida soccer to host Miami in NCAA first round

The women's soccer team, fresh off its SEC Tournament championship, will begin its quest for a national championship Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The No. 21 Gators (16-4-2) will play Miami (9-6-5) at 7 p.m. at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville.

Auburn (10-7-2) will play UCF in the first game at 4:30 p.m. The winners of Friday's matches will play Sunday at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 children 12 and under, students and senior citizens. The first 200 UF students with identification are admitted free. For more information, contact the UAA Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, ext. 6800 or 1-800-34GATOR, ext. 6800 (state of Florida only).

Live audio for the game will be broadcast at www.Gatorzone.com.

Chevon Walker to transfer

Redshirt freshman tailback Chevon Walker is leaving the team.

School officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Walker asked for permission to transfer, and his request has been granted.

Walker had a breakout spring game, rushing 14 times for 75 yards. But in five games this season, he had just four carries for 14 yards.

He has not been on the dress roster since the Georgia game.

Florida-Florida State game time set

Kickoff for the Florida-Florida State game has been set for 5 p.m. on Nov. 24.

The game will be televised live on CBS.

Tebow honored again

This should come as no surprised to anybody, but Tim Tebow is the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

In case you somehow missed it, here are his weekend highlights, again.

• Completed 22 of 32 passes for 304 yards and two TDs and rushed for 120 yards on 26 carries and five scores in Florida’s 51-31 win at South Carolina.

• This season, Tebow has accounted for 42 touchdowns (23 passing, 19 rushing), which is an SEC record.

• His five rushing touchdowns is tied for the most this season in the NCAA Division I FBS.

• His 30 points scored against South Carolina was a school record.

• Tebow extended his UF record of 11 straight games with at least one rushing and one passing touchdown in the same game (also current NCAA FBS active leader).

Tebow National Player of the Week

Tim Tebow was named the Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week on Sunday after leading the Gators to a 51-31 road victory over South Carolina. It is the second time this season he's received the honor.

Tebow accounted for a school-record-tying seven touchdowns (five running, two passing), set a single-game Florida record with five rushing scores and passed for a career-high 304 yards against a defense that entered the game ranked No. 1 nationally in pass defense (149.2 yards per game).

Tebow completed 22-of-32 passes and threw a pair of touchdown passes (22 yards to sophomore Jarred Fayson and 21 yards to senior Andre Caldwell). He added 120 rushing yards on 26 carries and scored on touchdowns of five, one, three, two and five yards.

In establishing a single-game school record for rushing touchdowns, Tebow’s five scores matched the highest total by any player nationally in a game this season (Matt Forte, Tulane vs. SE Louisiana; DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma vs. North Texas). Tebow finished the game with 120 rushing yards to become the only quarterback in school history to have two 100-yard rushing games (166 vs. Ole Miss, 2007).

Harvin expected to return this week; Pouncey doubtful

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Sunday he expects receiver Percy Harvin to return to practice this week after missing most of practice last week and Saturday night's game with a severe sinus infection.

"I don't know the exact status (on his health),'' Meyer said. "I would imagine he should be ready to go.''

Freshman offensive guard Maurkice Pouncey suffered a sprained right ankle early in the game's first quarter and is probably out for Saturday's game against Florida Atlantic.

"He's very questionable,'' Meyer said. "He's doubtful for this game.

Center Drew Miller went down during the game, but walked off under his own power.

"Everyone else is fine,'' Meyer said.

Harvin to miss South Carolina game

Despite reports that receiver Percy Harvin is on his way to South Carolina, Florida officials said Harvin will not play in tonight's game.

Harvin did not travel with the team Friday night. He has been suffering with a severe sinus infection all week, which limited his practice time.

Florida officials said Harvin's illness prevented him from making the trip and he is not expected to play.

The loss is a huge blow to the Gators' offense. Last week, Harvin became the first player in Florida history to have 100 yards rushing and receiving in the same game.

Tebow named to ESPN academic team

Tim Tebow earned a selection on ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District III First Team Thursday, and will now advance to the national ballot for academic All-American accolades.

Tebow has a 3.76 GPA in Family, Youth and Community Service at Florida.  He was recently named as a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards.

Chris Leak to play with AAFL

Former Florida quarterback Chris Leak announced Wednesday he will sign to play pro ball with the new All American Football Leauge.

He will play wth Team Florida, which will be coached by another former UF quarterback - Shane Matthews.

As a member of Team Florida, Leak will return to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium where he was a four-year starter. UF will host three of the team’s five home games during the inaugural 2008 season.

In 2006, Leak led Florida to a 13-1 record and a national championship, completing 25 of 36 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown in the BCS Championship.

Leak finished his career as Florida’s all-time leader in passing attempts (1,458), completions (895) and yardage (11,213). He is second all-time in school history in completion percentage (61.4%) and touchdown passes with 88. Leak was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll each semester and was a finalist for the Draddy Trophy symbolic of athletic and academic excellence.

Leak will join these former Gators who have already committed to playing with the league: Travis McGriff, Vernell Brown, Judd Davis, Chris Doering, Tony George, Willie Jackson, Steve Rissler, Fred Weary and Eli Williams.

Florida season tickets are scheduled to go on sale this month. For more information, go to www.AAFL.com.

Tebow a Maxwell semifinalist

Tim Tebow is among 15 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, presented to the nation’s top collegiate player of the year.

Tebow leads the nation in passing efficiency and the SEC in total offense.

The sophomore quarterback has 35 touchdowns this year, 21 passing, and a school-record 14 on the ground. Tebow has rushed for a touchdown in 10 straight games dating back to the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game and leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns.

Against Vanderbilt on Nov. 3, he had a career-best  22 completions on 27 attempts and set the SEC
single-season rushing touchdown record for a quarterback. Tebow accounted for five touchdowns against the Commodores’ 14th-ranked defense and his play has earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Week twice this year.

He leads Florida in rushing with 598 yards on 144 carries and already has the most yards rushing by a Florida quarterback in a career with 1,067 yards.

The announcement of the winners of the Maxwell Award will be made during the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, Dec. 6, on ESPN. The three finalists for the award will be in attendance.

Tampa's Garcia helping South Carolina prepare for UF

Tampa's Stephen Garcia has a significant role this week. He's playing Tim Tebow for the Gamecoocks' scout team during this week's preparation for Saturday night's Florida game.

"He'll be wearing No. 15,'' South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.

Spurrier said the former Jefferson standout may one day be a standout college quarterback.

  "We'll wait and see,'' Spurrier said. "He can run around a little bit. The ball comes out of his hand nicely. He's got a lot to learn about trying to play quarterback. So, we'll see. We'll worry about taht in spring practice. Let he and (Chris) Smelley and (Tommy Beecher) fight it out to see who (will) maybe start next year.''

FAU tickets remain; game to air on Pay Per View

A limited number of tickets are available for the Nov. 17 game against Florida Atlantic at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Kick-off time is at noon and the game will be aired statewide on a Pay Per View basis.

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased in person from the Gator Ticket Office or by calling 1-800-34-GATOR. Ticket office hours are Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Cunningham honored by SEC

Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham on Monday was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, the league office announced.

The 6-foot-3 sophomore had his first career interception and five total tackles, including one for a loss in Florida’s 49-22 win against Vanderbilt. He ranks third on the team this year with 53 total tackles, 27 solo and 26 assisted and is tied for second with Brandon Spikes in tackles for a loss (9).

Cunningham is tied for ninth in the SEC in sacks, averaging half a sack per game (4.5 sacks total).

Tebow: Gators playing with chip on their shoulders

Having lost three of four games and spiraling right out of the SEC East race apparently has a way of making a team feel, well testy.

Which is why Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said the Gators entered Saturday's game against Vanderbilt with that us against the world type of mentality.

"Everybody had a little chip on their shoulder coming in,'' he said. "We were pretty upset with what had been happening the last few weeks.  . Our guys came out with a chip on their shoulder and wanted to play a good game.''

South Carolina may be without several key players

South Carolina strong safety Emmanuel Cook, the team’s leading tackler, suffered a sprained ankle in the Arkansas game and is questionable for this Saturday's game against Florida. Running back Cory Boyd was treated Sunday for a sprained shoulder, but imost likely will play. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn also has a sprained ankle.

The defensive injuries could be key. The Gamecocks are coming off their third straight loss and have a run defense that is ranked 104th nationally, giving up 206 yards per game.

"We've got to shore up our run defense, no question, if we want to have a chance these next three games,'' Spurrier said Sunday.

Meyer's wife not his first choice to host Gator Growl

If he had been in charge of booking the talent, Florida coach Urban Meyer would have gone in a different direction.

But the students in charge of producing tonight's Gator Growl thought Shelley Meyer was the perfect  choice to host "Gator Growl 2007: Nation of Champions'' - billed as the world's largest pep rally.

"When I heard that, I said "What are you doing,?'' Meyer said earlier this week. "She said, "the students asked me, what was I supposed to do, say no? I said, "Yeah, say no.''

Meyer added that he's not surprised his wife didn't turn down the invitation.

"She's all about the students at this campus,'' he said.

Tonight's event will be headlined by comedian Frank Caliendo and the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

As of Friday morning, tickets were still available. They are $20 for non-students and can be purchased at the O'Connell Center Gate 1 beginning at 1 p.m.

Soccer places three on All-Academic team

Florida placed three players on the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III teams for soccer.

Senior Ashley Harris is a member of the first team and now advances to the national ballot. Florida also placed seniors Stacy Bishop and Bianca Gibbs on the district third team. UF was one of four programs (Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, South Carolina) to place all three of its candidates on District III teams.

Harris has a 3.64 GPA in zoology and wants to pursue a career in dentistry. She shares UF's 2007 lead in goals (7) and is third with 15 points. After a three-goal weekend Sept. 7-9, Harris was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week and was named to national teams of the week by Soccer America and SoccerBuzz.com. She was an ESPN The Magazine All-District second team member in 2006 and was named to the 2006 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar second team. Harris is a member of the 2005 and 2006 SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Women roll in exhibition game

The Florida women's basketball team jumped out to an early lead, then dominated in a 106-28 win over Warner Southern Thursday at the O'Connell Center.

All 10 scholarship players who entered the game scored at least six points, with five Gators tallying a double-figure scoring effort, helping Florida reach the century mark for the first time since topping
Tennessee State, 100-54, on Dec. 28, 2000.

Junior Aneika Henry (Coconut Grove, Fla.) led the Gators with a double-double, scoring 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, along with 10 rebounds. The tallest player on the floor at 6-foot-3, Henry also recorded three blocks and two steals.

Florida finished the game hitting 56 percent (42-of-75) of its shots, while forcing the Royals into 37 turnovers and shooting just 16.4 percent (10-61).

The Gators outscored the Royals, 57-16, in the first half, shooting 22-of-34 (64.6%). The Orange and Blue were led during the opening 20 minutes by Brooks and Henry, scoring in double figures with 10 and 11 points, respectively. Henry also snagged five rebounds to go with two blocks and a steal in the first half.

SEC schools boast 41 former players on NBA rosters

The SEC has 41 former players on 21 of 30 NBA rosters this season.

Nine of the 12 SEC schools have former standouts holding roster spots at the beginning of the league's 62nd season.

Florida and Kentucky top the list with 10 former players each on the rosters of 15 different NBA squads. Detroit has five former SEC players on its team while Boston, Charlotte, Memphis, Miami, Minnesota and New York each have three former conference players on their rosters.

LSU has six former players in the league. The former Tigers have accumulated 29 years of NBA experience, led by Shaquille O'Neal who is in his 15th season and is currently playing for Miami. Alabama is next in line with five former SEC players in the NBA. The former Crimson Tide players have accumulated 36 years of NBA experience, led by Robert Horry (San Antonio--15th season) and Antonio McDyess (Detroit--11th season). Arkansas and South Carolina have three players while Georgia has two and Auburn and Mississippi State each have one.

In addition, the NBA lists 10 coaches who attended college at a current SEC institution, most notably Pat Riley, a Kentucky graduate is Miami's head coach.

Here's the list:

ALABAMA (5)     NBA Seasons         Current Team
Jermareo Davidson   R                    Charlotte
Robert Horry            15                   San Antonio
Antonio McDyess      11                    Detroit
Gerald Wallace          6                    Charlotte
Maurice Williams       4                    Milwaukee

ARKANSAS (3)
Ronnie Brewer          1                      Utah
Joe Johnson             6                     Atlanta
Jannero Pargo          5                     New Orleans

AUBURN (1)
Marquis Daniels        4                      Indiana

FLORIDA (10)
Matt Bonner            3                      San Antonio
Corey Brewer          R                      Minnesota
Taurean Green        R                     Portland
Udonis Haslem        4                     Miami
Al Horford              R                     Atlanta
David Lee              2                     New York
Mike Miller            7                      Memphis
Chris Richard        R                      Minnesota
Jason Williams      9                      Miami

GEORGIA (2)
Jarvis Hayes          4                     Detroit
Damien Wilkins      3                     Seattle

KENTUCKY (10)
Derek Anderson      10                   Charlotte
Kelenna Azubuike    1                    Golden State
Keith Bogans           4                    Orlando
Chuck Hayes           2                    Houston
Jamaal Magloire      7                    New Jersey
Randolph Morris      1                    New York
Nazr Mohammed     9                     Detroit
Tayshaun Prince      5                    Detroit
Rajon Rondo           1                    Boston
Antoine Walker      11                   Minnesota

LSU (6)
Brandon Bass            2                   Dallas
Glen Davis               R                    Boston
Ronald Dupree          4                    Detroit
Shaquille O'Neal       15                   Miami
Stromile Swift           7                   Memphis
Tyrus Thomas           1                   Chicago

MISSISSIPPI STATE (1)
Erick Dampier         11                   Dallas

SOUTH CAROLINA (3)
Renaldo Balkman      1                   New York
Tarence Kinsey         1                  Memphis
Brandon Wallace       R                  Boston

HEAD COACHES    Alma Mater  Current Team
Pat Riley               Kentucky       Miami

ASSISTANT COACHES
Keith Askins        Alabama          Miami
T.R. Dunn           Alabama           Houston
Tony Brown*       Arkansas          Milwaukee
Darrell Walker*   Arkansas          New Orleans
Chuck Person      Auburn             Sacramento
Frank Vogel        Kentucky            Indiana
Elston Turner      Ole Miss            Houston
Mike Dunleavy*   South Carolina    LA Clippers
Alex English*       South Carolina    Toronto

*   Played/attended school before it was a member of the SEC
R   Rookie

Men's and women's basketball open with exhibition games

GAINESVILLE - The Florida men's and women's basketball teams open exhibition play tonight. The women open with Warner Southern at 5:30 p.m., and the men will host Flager at 8 p.m.

Coach Billy Donovan said he and his staff most likely would finalize a starting lineup today, but he's not concerned about the starting lineup for tonight's game. His focus is more on seeing just what type of team the Gators have when they aren't playing against each other in practice.

"I'm looking at it in terms of combinations and different things that we want to look at for ourselves,'' Donovan said. "We have several things we want to look at. We want to look at the three guards - Jai (Lucas), Nick (Calathes) and Walter (Hodge) playing together. We'd like to also look at some bigger wings with an Adam Allen and Jonathan Mitchell. We'd also like to look at something smaller in the frontcourt with Dan Werner and Chandler Parsons. So I'm looking at it more from the combinations of what I think we've got to get a loot at, moreso than who's going to start.''

For doubleheaders like tonight's games, all fans MUST have a ticket to the men’s game for admission to the women’s game (or be a women’s season-ticket holder AND and be a member of the BackCourt Club)
Reserved Seating for men's tickets/doubleheaders is $18; $10 for general admission.