Pitts puts on show at Florida’s pro day for NFL evaluators
(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)GAINESVILLE, Fla. – There was no shortage of Kyle Pitts highlights at Florida’s pro day Wednesday, from his measurables to his moves to even his mindset. It was a refresher course for anyone who watched the versatile tight end play last season. Pitts and several teammates — most notably quarterback Kyle Trask, cornerback Marco Wilson and receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes — worked out for talent evaluators from 31 of 32 NFL teams. AdIt’s still entirely possible for Pitts to be the highest-drafted tight end in the modern era (since 1970). “He’s a different bird than what a traditional tight end has been or certainly has been when I played,” said Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, a tight end who played 11 NFL seasons.
AP source: Florida fires 2 assistants after defensive fiasco
Florida coach Dan Mullen, center, watches play against Oklahoma during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A person familiar with the situation says Florida coach Dan Mullen has fired two defensive assistants in the wake of the unit’s worst season in more than a hundred years. The Sooners racked up a whopping 684 yards — the most any team has ever gained against Florida — in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday night. The Gators played without three defensive starters in the Cotton Bowl. Even with those give guys, Florida’s defense was mostly a debacle.
Toney, Trask shine as No. 10 Florida tops, fights Missouri
10 Florida returned from a three-week layoff to handle Missouri 41-17 on Saturday night in the Swamp. It could be costly for Florida (3-1), which plays rival and fifth-ranked Georgia next week in nearby Jacksonville. The referee huddled Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz and Mullen near the goal line and then announced the ejections. Missouri defensive lineman Tre Williams, Florida defensive end Zach Carter and Florida linebacker Antwuan Powell were tossed. Florida plays Georgia in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, which will be limited to about 18,000 fans.
Florida’s defensive debacle could prompt changes before LSU
With a defense giving up nearly 500 yards and five touchdowns a game, Florida’s preseason title hopes are in jeopardy. Florida’s defense ranks 13th in the Southeastern Conference and 72nd in the country (only 76 Football Bowl Subdivision teams are currently playing). “Well, first of all, as a defense we’ve got to take responsibility,” junior defensive tackle Zach Carter said. Now is a great time for us to come together.”It’s been a weekly debacle, really, with the team’s offensive prowess masking many of the defensive deficiencies. “I think we’ll be fine.”The schedule doesn’t get much easier, if at all, with defending national champion LSU (1-2) up next.
Florida defense can’t stop Texas A&M in 41-38 shootout loss
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask (11) pass down field during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Jimbo Fisher got his first win against a top-five opponent since taking over at Texas A&M. 21 Texas A&M beat fourth-ranked Florida 41-38 on Seth Small’s 26-yard field goal as time expired Saturday. Texas A&M grinded it out on its next drive, passing just once on a 10-play possession capped by a 3-yard TD from Spiller. Florida led 28-24 early in the fourth when Spiller struck again, running 19 yards for a touchdown on a fourth-and-2 play.
Gators Breakdown: Mullen wants to see better finishes from Gators
Florida has had a chance to put the game away in each of its first two wins, but Dan Mullen says the team has had issues closing out games on both sides of the ball. David Waters is joined by Will Miles (Read and Reaction) to look at the closing issues, especially on defense, and other issues as the Gators move ahead to Texas A&M. This episode of Gators Breakdown is brought to you by MyBookie. Bet this football season, use promo code “GATORS” and get a free $20 wager on your first deposit at http://bit.ly/MYB-GatorsBreakdownGet Gators Breakdown merchandise at https://www.ebay.com/str/gatorsbreakdownLISTEN: Catch up on previous episodes of Gators BreakdownFollow David Waters on Twitter @GatorDave_SEC to stay plugged in, or click one of the following to tune in:Megaphone | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Play | Stitcher
Trask, Pitts help No. 3 Florida top South Carolina 38-24
3 Florida to a 38-24 victory over South Carolina on Saturday. The next performance comes at Kyle Field, where Texas A&M will try to become the first Southeastern Conference opponent to slow down Trask and Pitts in 2020. Kevin Harris was one of the few bright spots for South Carolina, which flubbed a chance to make it a one-score game in the final minute. DROPPED PASSESA big reason South Carolina couldn’t keep up in the first half was dropped passes. Florida takes its “Kyle to Kyle Show” to Kyle Field to play Texas A&M next Saturday.
No. 5 Florida settles into normal routine, braces for chaos
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida coach Dan Mullen is finally settling into a somewhat normal routine. Nonetheless, Mullen is still wary of what lies ahead as Florida prepares to open the season at Ole Miss on Saturday. “Obviously, all the COVID stuff makes you anxious,” Mullen said. That’s something Coach Mullen emphasizes at practice: everybody being ready. For now, though, the Gators are just happy to be getting ready to play.
Gators Breakdown: Hype continues to build for Kyle Trask
Last week SEC Network named Kyle Trask the SEC’s best returning quarterback. A few days after that, head coach Dan Mullen was pleased with Trask’s performance in a scrimmage. All this is culminating in what can be a season to remember for Trask and the Gators. Also, Dave and Will discuss the latest fall camp news and early season TV times. This episode of Gators Breakdown is brought to you by MyBookie.
Florida has potential for championships in Mullens 3rd year
It also could be Mullen taking over-the-top precaution as the eighth-ranked Gators get ready to begin a championship-or-bust season. We have the potential to go compete for a championship and be a championship team, said Mullen, who is 21-5 in two seasons in Gainesville. But I think we have that potential, which is really good and its really exciting. Florida won 10 games in Mullens first season and 11 in Year 2. This season, Wilson has All-SEC potential and fellow cornerback Kaiir Elam is considered a rising star after a breakout freshman year.
Gators Breakdown: Wilson and Grimes return | Henderson and Lingard choose UF
The Gators get great news for the 2020 season with the recent announcements of Marco Wilson and Trevon Grimes returning for one more year. Not only did Florida receive positive news on those returning players, but Xzavier Henderson and Lorenzo Lingard choose to further their careers as Gators. David Waters is joined by Will Miles (Read and Reaction) for this jam-packed episode of Gators Breakdown as the two discuss the recent string of god news. Plus, they share their thoughts on Todd Grantham as a leading candidate for the Mississippi State and look back season predictions. LISTEN: Catch up on previous episodes of Gators BreakdownFollow David Waters on Twitter @GatorDave_SEC to stay plugged in, or click one of the following to tune in:Megaphone | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Play | Stitcher
No. 10 Florida getting 6 players back for 7th-ranked Auburn
10 Florida will be close to full strength, especially on defense, for its biggest game of the season. Coach Dan Mullen said Monday that six injured players - including speedy cornerback CJ Henderson and disruptive defensive end Jabari Zuniga - will be back against seventh-ranked Auburn in the Swamp. "The guys that are veteran players, I don't worry about as much," Mullen said. "The key is just getting them back in the flow at practice and getting them the practice reps they need." Toney injured his left shoulder against UT Martin, and Mullen said he won't be back until after the team's bye week.