Some items of note this Monday of Georgia-Florida week:
–In case you didn’t see my tweet earlier, Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston is the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Houston added to his conference leading sack total with 2 ½ against Kentucky Saturday in a 44-31 win to give him nine on the year. He also had a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Houston is one sack behind Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers for the nation’s lead.
–Cornerback Branden Smith could return Saturday. Coach Mark Richt said on WSB radio this morning that “there’s a very good chance that Branden Smith will be back.” Smith has missed the past three games with a concussion, his second of the season.
–This could be a boost for Florida. Coach Urban Meyer said today that kicker Caleb Sturgis could play Saturday “We’re going to try him this week and see what happens,” Meyer said. Sturgis has been out with a stress fracture in his lower back. Chas Henry, his replacement, has made just 2 of 5 field goals this year, including misses from 25, 38 and 42 in the last two games.
–Meyer said that running back Jeff Demps, who has dealt with a sprained left foot, will practice 20 to 25 snaps today. As far as receiver Chris Rainey, Meyer said a decision won’t be made until Thursday about whether he’ll play Saturday. Rainey was arrested on a charge of aggravated stalking Sept. 14, but the charge was reduced and he’s back practicing with the team.
–Meyer came to his news conference today with lots of tidbits on what’s been ailing his offense. That included turnovers. He pointed out the Gators have turned the ball over more already this season than they did in the national title season of 2008. Florida has 14 this year. It had 13 in 2008.
–Count Florida safety Ahmad Black among those impressed with Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray. “Great quarterback,” Black said. “Probably the best up to date. He makes plays out of nothing. When he doesn’t have anything he takes off.” Florida has gone up against Alabama’s Greg McElroy and Kentucky’s Mike Hartline.
–Didn’t realize that those team buses with police escorts run across the same traffic problems in Jacksonville as the rest of us. “Pulling into the stadium, it takes forever to get to the game,” center Mike Pouncey said.
–Is the motivation of Georgia running on to the field for its end zone celebration in 2007 about over? Pouncey said the Gators haven’t watched video of the scene yet, “but we watch it every year just as motivation to the team. We’ve got to go out there and play on Saturday. Them running on the field ain’t going to help us win.”
–Please follow me at Twitter.com/marcweiszer
