Gators may be without Harvin against Alabama

Florida coach Urban Meyer said Sunday that star WR/RB Percy Harvin is questionable for Saturday's SEC Championship game.

Harvin sprained his right ankle in Florida's victory over Florida State. He left the locker room after the game on crutches and with his right foot in a boot.

Meyer said Harvin was with the team on Sunday and "moving around'' but his status may be a game-day decision.

DT Brandon Antwine is doubtful for the game, with a knee injury. Meyer said Antwine wasn't able to move around much on Sunday, but he will be reevaluated on Monday.

Gators fall in coaches poll

Florida's 45-15 win over Florida State didn't do much to impress the nation's football coaches, as the Gators fell from No. 3 to No. 4 in this week's USA Today Coaches Poll. Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas are ahead of the Gators.

The Gators remained No. 2 in the AP and Harris Interactive polls.

Florida also remained No. 4 in the BCS standings, which are sure to cause controversy this week after Oklahoma leaped Texas to take over the No. 2 spot - despite the fact the Longhorns defeated the Sooners earlier this season.

Alabama remained No. 1 in the USA Today, AP and Harris polls.

Florida and Alabama will meet Saturday at 4 p.m. in the SEC championship game. Oklahoma and Missouri will play for the Big 12 title at 8 p.m.

Want Florida Gators-Florida State Seminoles football news? Check this out

Check out our Florida-Florida State blog-o-rama today on the Seminole Report because the game is in Tallahassee.

Meyer wary of close game

Florida has outscored opponents by an average of 52-10 in the last seven games. That's a good thing unless you are the Gators heading to Florida State for Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game on ABC. Urban Meyer expects a closer game than what his team has grown used to. 

"I actually had a heart-to-heart with (the team),'' Meyer said. "We talked about how we have not really had a two-minute drill.''

Florida has been practicing its two-minute offense all week, which is unusual.

Offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said the maturity level of this team could be a factor if things get rough.

"I think the maturity of our team, when you are clicking on all phases with offense, defense and special teams together it becomes a lot easier to overcome any adversity because there doesn't become a panic,'' Mullen said. "The offense thinks, 'OK, if I make a mistake our defense will step up or our special teams will make a play.''

Gators' Tebow honored by ESPN The Magazine

Florida QB Tim Tebow was named the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America of the Year winner for the second-straight time.

He joined former UF basketball player Matt Bonner (2002, 2003) and former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel (1995, 1996) as the only individuals in school history to capture his sport's Academic All-America of the Year award twice.

Tebow is majoring in Family, Youth and Community Services and has a 3.70 grade point average.

Florida's Pouncey's return to practice; will play on Saturday

Offensive linemen Mike and Maurkice Pouncey returned to the practice field Wednesday afternoon, two days after their stepfather was critically injured in an accident in which his leg had to be amputated.

The twins missed Tuesday's practice to be with their families. Both starters, they are expected to play when the Gators travel to Florida State on Saturday.

"They are doing good,'' senior receiver Louis Murphy said. "God is with them. God is with their family, so they'll be alright.''

Murphy said the Lakeland natives, both sophomores, were surrounded by love from teammates.

"Our team love is, it's like a big family,''' he said.

Mythical state championship far from the Gators' minds this week

As No. 2 Florida prepares to take on No. 23 Florida State this week, the idea of a mythical state championship appears to be a non-issue with the Gators.

Several players said they had heard "something'' about it, but didn't seem to have much knowledge - or care - for that matter. Because the Gators and Seminoles both defeated Miami earlier this season, the winner of Saturday's game would be consider the state champion.

But since the Gators have their eyes on a national championship, coach Urban Meyer said there's no talk this week about being state champions.

"No, we just want to find a way to win No. 11,'' Meyer said after yesterday's practice. "We're not into that. At some point we'll have some fun with that, but certainly not at a Tuesday practice.''

Florida's Pouncey's coping with family tragedy

Florida starting offensive linemen Mike and Maurkice Pouncey were with their family in Lakeland on Tuesday following an accident that left their stepfather critically injured.

Mike Webster reportedly was injured when a rail car at a local train yard rolled over his leg, which later had to be amputated. Webster is employed at a local feeding mill, and was injured when he was caught between rail cars. He was in critical, but stable condition Tuesday night.

Florida coach Urban Meyer visited with the family Monday night, but declined to give further details following Tuesday night's practice.

“I talked to the family and out of respect,  I’m just praying for them and (to) take care of them,’’ Meyer said. “They are all part of our family. I’d really rather not say anything else. At the appropriate time, we’ll talk about it.’’

Meyer described the twins as “fine’’, and said he anticipates they will return to practice today.

QB Tim Tebow said he had spoken with his teammates and that he reassured them he was praying for them. He said he expects them to be ready to play when the Gators travel to Florida State on Saturday.

“They are very resilient,’’ he said. “They are very determined young men. I know that’s what their family would want for them to come out and play.’’

Injuries will force changes in Gators' lineup for Florida State game

Some key injuries at defensive end have Florida coaches making adjustments to the lineup as part of their preparations for this Saturday's game at FSU, and Tampa native Torrey Davis will be in the mix for a change.

Freshman DT Matt Patchan is out with a sprained knee, and tackle Lawrence Marsh remains questionable, also with a sprained knee, but according to coach Urban Meyer not as severe as Patchan's. So Davis, a sophomore who has been in and out of Meyer's doghouse all season, has been moved from tackle to nose and is expected to play this week behind junior Brandon Antwine.

Antwine has been moved up to the starting position, despite his health woes. Meyer said Antwine won't practice today or Wednesday due to his chronic back issues, but will be ready to play on Saturday.

Terron Sanders will start at tackle and redshirt freshman Jaye Howard will take over Patchan's No. 2 position.

"We'll find a way to put a good defensive line on the field, we have to,'' defensive line coach Dan McCarney. "That's why you build depth, because you're going to get guys nicked up. It's part of the game. This isn't tennis, it's football. Unfortunately, injuries are part of it."

Florida punter Chas Henry to become No. 3 quarterback

While Cameron Newton is embroiled in legal troubles, punter Chas Henry and WR/RB Percy Harvin will step in as the Gators' No. 3 quarterback, if necessary.

Henry, a former high school quarterback, is already working with the other quarterbacks, and Harvin is working it in, along with his other duties.

"Chas Henry will move over to quarterback and Percy Harvin will be the other quarterback,'' UF coach Urban Meyer said. "We started that already. Chas is meeting with the quarterbacks full time now, and Percy, yesterday at practice we took some direct snaps with him.''

John Brantley has been the Gators' primary backup to Tim Tebow this season, having seen action in all eight games.