September 5, 2007
Having sophomore Percy Harvin on the field is invaluable for fifth-year senior Andre Caldwell. Having Caldwell is probably just as important for Harvin.
With the rest of Florida's wide receivers causing problems as well, defenses cannot focus solely on stopping Caldwell or Harvin and that should lead to even more production for Florida's top two receivers.
"It makes the game a lot easier," Caldwell said after Wednesday's practice. "Nobody can double team. I know that every time all the pressure is not on me. We have another playmaker on the side of me that can make big things happen. Any time (Harvin) touches the ball he can put six points on the board. He can do everything for us."
Harvin's Achilles tendonitis has flared up and he was limited in practice but coach Urban Meyer said he won't hold Harvin back if he can go against Troy. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Saturday at Florida Field.
In Florida's season-opening 49-3 victory over Western Kentucky, Caldwell caught three passes for 103 yards. Harvin added three receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown and was also credited with 25 rushing yards on three carries. Sophomore Riley Cooper finished with four catches for a game-high 122 yards and two scores.
"(Harvin is) probably going to get more touches as the season goes on," Caldwell said. "It was just the first game. I'm sure when we get an SEC opponent he's going to touch it a lot more and make big things happen.
"I'm excited to have a real big season, put up real big numbers, help this team. I just worked so hard in the off-season just to be a better football player and just be the best out there. I think I work harder than anybody in the country. I hope it pays off on game day…I'm very happy I came back. I'm getting a lot of love. I'm happy to be a Gator. There's no better place to be in the world."
From practice: Meyer said Harvin is dealing with tendonitis but thinks he'll be OK to play this weekend. Don't expect to see Harvin in the kick return game, at least not this weekend. Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson (sprained knee) practiced Wednesday and is expected to play. How much is still the question.
Redshirt junior cornerback Markus Manson (sprained ankle) will not play. Freshman offensive lineman James Wilson was reportedly running at practice. He should be good to go next week, Meyer said. On the John Brown academic situation with the NCAA Clearinghouse, Meyer said it's looking positive and he expects to hear something soon.
Freshman defensive tackle Torrey Davis and redshirt freshman Lawrence Marsh should see more time in this week's game. Meyer has said he was concerned with the defensive line push against Western Kentucky.
Meyer said Troy's spread offense tries to create the same kinds of matchup issues as Florida's offense. Senior quarterback Omar Haugabook, the Sun Belt's player of the year, is expected to play.
The Montgomery Advertiser reported Haugabook banged his hand between helmets and had to leave the Arkansas game, a 46-26 loss to the Razorbacks. X-rays did not show a broken hand but the Advertiser reported Haugabook could not shake hands with reporters during Monday's press conference. Meyer said he had not heard the report.
"Probably a little similar to the problems we try to give people," Meyer said of Troy's offense. "We try to spread you out, try to create matchup issues for you and create some running lanes that otherwise wouldn't be there if you packed them all in there. They do a nice job. They know exactly what they're doing and they have good personnel."