Advertisement
Published Oct 9, 2017
McElwain Press Conference Blog: Cleveland, Toney questionable
Andrew Olson  •  1standTenFlorida
Staff Writer

After the first home loss of the season, Florida (3-2, 3-1 SEC) looks to bounce back in The Swamp against Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1 SEC). Head coach Jim McElwain met with the media on Monday to talk about what went wrong against LSU and preview the match-up with the Aggies.

Advertisement

* McElwain reiterates it was a disappointing loss, but team played hard.

* Staff did well adjusting at halftime to motions and jet sweeps.

* Biggest takeaway from the stats was difference in third-down conversions.

* At team dinner Sunday, McElwain could sense team is eager to move forward.

* McElwain praised long-time SEC defensive coordinator John Chavis for the way the Aggies get after the passer.

* Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond stands out for being effective on third down with his feet.

* On the injury front, McElwain listed six players, all starters and key contributors, as out of Monday's practice. Senior safety Nick Washington (shoulder) will not play Saturday against Texas A&M. Redshirt freshman left guard Brett Heggie (concussion protocol) is doubtful. Other players who will not practice and uncertain for Saturday are sophomore wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland (high ankle sprain), sophomore safety Chauncey Gardner Jr. (right ankle), redshirt freshman linebacker Jeremiah Moon (ankle) and freshman athlete Kadarius Toney (shin/shoulder).

* Gators are near the bottom nationally in play's per game. McElwain says the key is staying on field on third downs.

* On offense, McElwain said youth, injuries and suspensions are not excuses. The expectation right now is to start playing at a faster pace.

* Redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks is "working his tail off." McElwain notes that it would help if more receivers were open.

* Redshirt junior wide receiver Dre Massey would be next up in the wildcat if Toney cannot play.

* McElwain aware of former defensive end Bryan Cox's comments, says "I love the guy."

* Missed extra point was "a little bit of everything."

* Ideal balance is 250 rushing yards and 250 passing yards – or, obviously, more – per game.

* McElwain notes that Franks gets a little too deep in the pocket sometimes. At times, command and flow is good, but they need to continue to work on that. Franks also needs to work on finding second and third options.

* Despite some of the frustrations voiced on social media, McElwain sees team as a "tight-knit group."

* McElwain expects Gators will be challenged by Texas A&M's RPO plays.

* McElwain's involvement in offense on Saturdays is mostly in conversations between series and at halftime.

* Tight ends are being asked to block more, which is part of the reason for no receptions against LSU.

* Graduate quarterback Malik Zaire "is doing a really good job in practice," but Franks remains starting quarterback.

------

Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.