Is florida Overlooking Toledo . . ?

[Cane from the Bend]

gainesville, Fla. -- The florida gators plan to have starting running back Matt Jones and middle linebacker Antonio Morrison back in the lineup when they visit Miami next week.

Jones, came down with a viral infection in July, and is nearing full strength, according to florida coach Will Muschamp. Jones has been ruled out for Saturday's opener against Toledo but should be cleared soon.

As a freshman last season, Jones ran for 275 yards and three touchdowns on 52 carries.

Sophomore, Morrison, would have been an opening-day starter if not for two offseason arrests.

He punched a nightclub bouncer July 16 when the man declined to give him discounted admission. He agreed to deferred prosecution.

He was arrested again five days later for barking at a police dog and resisting arrest, which prompted Muschamp to announce a two-game suspension. The charges in that incident were dropped shortly afterward.

Will Muschamp: "After a thorough review of Antonio Morrison's situation and how he has handled his punishment, I'm going to suspend him for this game only [referring to the season opener]. I just don't feel like his actions warranted a two-game suspension ... That's where we are with that."

Morrison played every game for florida last year and started three times. He was eighth on the team with 34 tackles.

Makes me wonder, if florida were to play their Nov. 23rd opponent Georgia Southern in week 2, would the original suspension of two games have held.

Muschamp also announced that offensive tackle Chaz Green will need season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum he suffered last week. Green, a redshirt junior, was expected to start at right tackle against Toledo.

The Gators already are going into the season without starting right guard Jon Halapio, who has not practiced since tearing his left pectoral muscle while weightlifting in July. Halapio has been ruled out for the first two games, and the team hopes to get him back Sept. 21rst against Tennessee.

Without those two, Florida will start redshirt senior Kyle Koehne at right guard, and Nebraska transfer Tyler Moore at right tackle.

Though they're thin on the O-line, Toledo's Defense isn't the most stout.

But not having their starting Halfback in the game could hurt them, if they do not get early offensive production.

Not having a key player like MLB, Antonio Morrison, against the Rockets could hurt. Toledo has an explosive O, and they will be happy to take advantage of a thin middle.

Muschamp may be taking day one too lightly.

If the gators are caught looking past week one to Miami, they may get stunned in the first game.

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[Spence]

They are probably looking past Toledo, but it won't matter.

[Eric]

They are probably looking past Toledo, but it won't matter.

My prediction: Florida sleepwalks against Toledo in the first half. Sluggish on offense. Rockets have a slim 1-3 point lead at halftime. Toledo gets a huge momentum play in the third quarter and takes a two score lead at the end of three. Game gets a lot of buzz on stations doing updates. Toledo chokes away the game for good halfway through the fourth quarter. Florida ends with a 10-14 point win.

Let's see if I'm Nostradamus here or not

[Eric]

Addendum: Regardless of what happens in the Toledo game, Florida scores fewer than 17 points the following week in a loss to Miami. Driskell throws 3 INTs and a pick six.

[Spence]

You have seen how MAC games against elite teams go to many times.

[Eric]

You have seen how MAC games against elite teams go to many times.

Yes. Yes, I have.

I also saw how Florida did against UL Lafayette and Bowling Green last year. I kind of expect Florida to regress a little bit this year as I think their record last year was a little heavy on the luck side of things. Tack that on with the injuries and with Driskell being mediocre, I don't expect much from the Gators.

[billybud]

You have seen how MAC games against elite teams go to many times.

Yes. Yes, I have.

I also saw how Florida did against UL Lafayette and Bowling Green last year. I kind of expect Florida to regress a little bit this year as I think their record last year was a little heavy on the luck side of things. Tack that on with the injuries and with Driskell being mediocre, I don't expect much from the Gators.

One can always hope.

[Cane from the Bend]

I'm hoping . . .

Hoping that florida flops the first two games.

It would absolutely suck, if the lizards were to lose vs Toledo; only to turn around and win next week.
That would just tick me off (course, I'll be ticked off if the reptiles win next week, regardless)

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[Eric]

I did a Twitter search on Kirk Herbstreit after he said Toledo would beat Florida on College Gameday. Needless to say Gator fans aren't too happy

I was surprised he had more guts than I do in this regard. Florida suspended six more players heading into this game in addition to the injuries. Still can't bring myself to go for it.

Herby also took UL Lafayette over Arkansas. The Ragin' Cajuns have the potential to put a nice season together, so I think this game will also be a nailbiter. Arkansas should still win that game though with the ground game.

[Spence]

The gator fans haven't been too happy for a while. I'm still picking the gators. I don't see Toledo making it happen.