Head coach Jim McElwain did not sound too confident in Callaway’s chances to play in Knoxville this weekend. A response he wasn’t apologizing for, but one from the heart.
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Through three games, Del Rio has thrown for 762 yards and six touchdowns, while completing 61 percent of his passes and tossing only one interception.
It was a memorable night for the Florida defense, but Luke Del Rio’s status is now uncertain moving forward. “We’ve got to grow a lot on the perimeter part of the (defense) right now”.
McElwain after a break felt assured there was no intention. “There was some bad blood there at the end”. He had been called on it a couple times in previous games. I know that. I care about these kids.
But what also made his decision easier was that he’s been a Gators fan since before transferring. “I mean, it just speaks volumes to see him really do something like that, to really see him put himself out there and in a position like that. I haven’t had to”.
Del Rio was 14-of-25 for 186 yards and an interception before the injury. Murphy had 134 yards passing and 84 yards rushing after taking over for Driskel, who broke his right leg in the first quarter. “It doesn’t look great, but you know we’ll do whatever”. As you probably know, guys have to practice on Wednesday (to play on Saturday) and they’ve got to be able to show they can go.
Callaway missed last week’s game with North Texas due to a quad injury suffered September 10 against Kentucky.
The injury forces the Gators (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) to turn to former fifth-year senior Austin Appleby, who started 11 games the last two years at Purdue.
Whether it’s through tough love after a missed play, biting sarcasm spoken through a slight Montana drawl or a simple nod of approval after they exit his office, McElwain said he wants the players to know they have his support.
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The Florida defense helped on the scoreboard as well. “I told (North Texas coach Seth Littrell) after the game that I’m sure his guy was scrambling trying to make a play”. “That was pretty impressive”. Florida’s defense reviewed the film from previous year and noted missed tackles, bad angles, and poorly disciplined pursuit. North Texas managed just 19 offensive yards and three first downs in the first half. “That’s ultimately why I chose to come here”, he said. “I saw a bunch of guys that did a really good job of film study”. It’s the cerebral practice it takes in knowing your opponent. If they can get me some cash, that’d be awesome.
