September 4, 2007
Adam Gorney
GatorBait.net Assistant Editor
Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson plans to play. Coach Urban Meyer is not sure how much just yet. Anderson missed Florida's season-opening 49-3 victory over Western Kentucky Saturday at Florida Field with a sprained knee. He practiced Tuesday.
"I'm going to be able to play," Anderson said. "I'm just waiting on the doctors to see what they've got going for me. I'll be OK."
"He practiced," Meyer said. "He's not game ready yet but it's only Tuesday. He's going to play. How much? We're going to see."
Against Troy's spread offense, Anderson will be needed especially if depth at the position is a concern. Redshirt junior cornerback Markus Manson left practice with a sprained ankle Tuesday. Meyer said he did not know the extent of Manson's injury.
Freshman Joe Haden and sophomore Wondy Pierre-Louis started at cornerback against Western Kentucky. Haden played well. Pierre-Louis needs to improve. That was the assessment from Meyer after watching the film. Getting Anderson, the only player at the position who came into this season with any experience, back this weekend would be a key.
Troy, which lost its opener to Arkansas, 46-26, likes to throw the ball. The Trojans attempted 49 passes and 31 runs against the Razorbacks. Senior quarterback Omar Haugabook finished 15 of 43 passing for 204 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Senior wide receiver Gary Banks caught five passes for 66 yards and senior Gerald Tate had two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Jamie Hampton led the team with 72 rushing yards on three attempts. Kenny Cattouse and Tanner Jones each rushed for a score.
Meyer said Tuesday's practice did not go well. He expects better execution Wednesday. Kickoff for Florida-Troy is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at Florida Field. Asked if the team is where Meyer wants it after Week 1, Meyer said no. But he basically said the team is never as good as it can be.
Other notes: Expect to see freshman Torrey Davis and redshirt freshman Lawrence Marsh get more time on the defensive front. Meyer has said the defensive interior push was not good against Western Kentucky. Also, sophomore running back Brandon James, who served a one-game suspension in the opener, should get some carries. James is also expected to return punts.
"Bloody Tuesday was hard and it was long," Meyer said. "It was not very good but we'll be better (Wednesday). We went from (going against) three-down to four-down (linemen) and that always confuses guys a little bit. We're practicing a silent cadence so the offense didn't have much rhythm...(Troy is) a team that throws it (49) times a game so we're doing some different stuff. Execution wasn't very good.
"I've never really been where you want to be. I thought our team would be a little more advanced than where we are and then I realized who's playing for us (so many inexperienced players) and it makes sense but it's certainly not where you want to be. It's a bad day if I ever say that. Look at me like I have six heads because you're never where you want to be up to this point. Not even close. Even last year."
Notes & Quotes
Anderson on sophomore wide receiver Riley Cooper: "I love the way he works, his work ethic, the way he goes about himself, the way he handles his business on the field when he gets his opportunities…I see him every day and I know what he's capable of.
"I have to get on my horse and every other DB out here in practice they know when Riley Cooper's coming he's going to give them his best and try to come out here and get a starting spot just like everybody else…Once he gets going, he really gets going."