------
* Recruit Reaction: 'Offensive is improving'
* Role Reversal: Offense to the forefront
* Five Fast Thoughts after double-digit victory
* Breaking: Del Rio out for the season
* Poll: Florida's record over the next three games
* 30 DAY FREE TRIAL USING PROMO CODE Gators30
------
After beating Vanderbilt on Saturday, Florida head coach Jim McElwain and the Gators have now won three straight games against SEC opponents. With Luke Del Rio out for the rest of the season, Feleipe Franks will take over as the starter against LSU.
The following are highlights from McElwain’s press conference:
* On Wednnesday, McElwain said that he was notified during practice that his grandchild was born.
* He said that the energy of the offensive-line was really good. Players also understood the importance of the special teams unit.
* After being informed that Brett Heggie (SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week) and Malik Davis (SEC Freshman of the Week) were honored by the SEC, McElwain talked about how highly Heggie graded out in the win over Vanderbilt.
* McElwain referenced former Florida wide out Chris Thompson as an example of how important the special teams unit is to the success of some players. That is where some players who maybe aren't getting the snaps they think they should, need to take advantage of their time on special teams. Thompson, who is now with the Houston Texans, was on the active roster over the weekend specifically because of his special teams play - and as a result had a 42-yard kickoff return.
* Although punter Johnny Townsend still needs to work on his hang-time, McElwain said that they did a good job of flipping the field.
* McElwain said that their tackling needs to be on this week. The Gators have to show up and play “big-boy” football.
* Injuries: Del Rio will be getting a plate in his collarbone today. Defensive tackle Kyree Campbell is getting his knee looked at. McElwain said it looks like wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland will be out. He is in a boot (high-ankle sprain) right now. Quarterback Kyle Trask - who had surgery on his foot - is still a while away from returning.
* McElwain said that the Gators did not do a great job with film study and communicating clues to the defensive players. Vanderbilt did a lot of things that they hadn't done on tape - relying more on their passing game than their running attack.
* On the Gator’s having not recovered a fumble all year, McElwain said that Florida needs to do a better job wrapping up players and stripping the ball.
* On Feleipe Franks – McElwain said that he needs to move defensive players with his eyes. He will progress as he gets more experience as it pertains to staring down receivers.
* He said that Malik Zaire has done a great job and Jake Allen will get some more practice in as well.
* When asked about the progress on offense, McElwain said that the running backs have created some plays on the edge. All three of his tight-ends (C'Yontia Lewis, DeAndre Goolsby and Moral Stephens), have played well.
* His thoughts on the defense this week: “More than anything, we have to be really good with our eyes.” He continued by saying, “They got guys that can flat-out run…we’re going to have to be disciplined.”
* On Chauncey Gardner’s mistackles– He said that he was in position this week, but he needs to keep his feet moving.
When asked about the scooter-related incidents (T.J. McCoy and Keivonnis Davis), McElwain said that it’s a tough issue on this campus. They have a yearly safety course for the players, but it's a problem
------
Thank you for reading this Inside the Gators article. To discuss it, please visit the Alligator Alley Forum.
