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Published Oct 23, 2017
McElwain Blog: Injured Gators pushing to return
Andrew Olson  •  1standTenFlorida
Staff Writer

After a bye week, it's time for Jim McElwain and his Florida team to get back to business. The head coach met with the media Monday to preview the match-up with No. 3 Georgia (7-0, 4-0 SEC) and give an update on the banged-up Gators.

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* A lot of the injured Florida players are trying and pushing to play in Georgia game.

* McElwain sees Florida-Georgia as one of college football's best rivalries.

* Georgia excels at time of possession.

* Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm can hurt a defense that loads the box.

* Sophomore wide receiver Josh Hammond (back) has been added to the injury report list.

* Sophomore wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland "ran pretty decent" Sunday, but remains limited.

* Redshirt sophomore defensive end Jabari Zuniga (ankle) will be re-evaluated later in the week.

* Freshman athlete Kadarius Toney (separated shoulder) tried to practice.

* As McElwain noted last week, redshirt freshman defensive back Quincy Lenton is out.

* Redshirt freshman linebacker Jeremiah Moon is back.

* More injury updates will come Wednesday when McElwain speaks on the SEC coaches teleconference and addresses the media after practice.

* UGA game is a chance for Gators to "go get better."

* The recruiting has been "really positive," according to McElwain. Many prospects are seeing prospects for early playing time.

* McElwain acknowledges graduate quarterback Malik Zaire may get a second chance at playing time, but redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks remains the starter.

* Redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks needs to avoid getting "locked in" too early.

* Florida will have to make plays downfield against Georgia's defense, which loads the box to stop the run.

* McElwain notes that Georgia has avoided hitting the panic button on turnovers.

* Franks "continues to get a little better." McElwain thinks the first-year starter has handled some situations well.

* McElwain has seen "tons" of improvement in Georgia's offensive line.

* Asked about Georgia coach Kirby Smart's success, McElwain points to recruiting, staying the course and consistency.

* McElwain believes relationships and opportunities are helping Florida on the recruiting trail in an up-and-down season.

* McElwain brushed off question about feeling under-appreciated and possibly leaving for Oregon State. He said those kind of rumors start this time of year.

* Some players and coaches have received death threats from angry fans. Despite that, McElwain says he's not surprised by level of vitriol. He did not elaborate on the threats.

* Georgia's fastball plays help keep defenses off balance and open up the run game.

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