It was an unexpected bye week. But due to the threat of Hurricane Matthew, Florida postponed its matchup on Saturday against LSU.
The decision created controversy throughout the SEC, considering some felt Florida could have relocated the game to Baton Rouge, La., or a neutral site. But SEC commissioner Greg Sankey wants both parties to come together and reschedule the game.
“As far as that postponed game, it’s in the hands of the SEC and we want to play it,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said. “And yet, our focus has to turn to homecoming week and Missouri.”
The week off gave Florida’s banged up defensive line a chance to heal and gave starting quarterback Luke Del Rio more time to recuperate from an injured knee. McElwain said Del Rio would have played against LSU and will start against Missouri.
“We were upset that we weren’t playing,” Del Rio said of the postponement of LSU. “But we weren’t upset at the reason why.”
Like Florida, Missouri is coming off a bye week. McElwain said he’s concerned about Missouri’s big play ability, noting the Tigers have already posted twice as many explosive and they did all of last season. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock has passed for 1,675 yards this season with 14 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
“Lock is doing a heckuva job with that,” McElwain said. “He’s got a strong arm.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Luke Del Rio is expected to return to action after being out since Sept. 17 against North Texas with a knee injury. For the season, Del Rio has completed 62 of 101 passes with 6 TDs and two interceptions. “We’re excited about that,” McElwain said. “We know Luke is exciting and itching to go.”
–WR Antonio Callaway has emerged as UF’s big-play threat with a team-high 371 yards receiving on 20 catches. Callaway is averaging 18.5 yards per catch and has 2 TDs on the season.
–LB Alex Anzalone has been consistent for the Gators all season with 32 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Anzalone will be counted on again to contain Missouri’s run game
–CB Quincy Wilson has been strong in man coverage for the Gators all season with two interceptions and two pass breakups. Wilson will be counted on against a Missouri team that leads the SEC in pass offense at 350.6 yards per game.