Football Notebook: Kickoff Time Changed, Gardner to attempt to practice
Florida announced Wednesday that its game with Northern Colorado has officially been moved to Noon ET on Saturday. The game was originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on the SEC Network, but was moved due to Hurricane Irma. The game will now be streamed on SEC Network+, Watch ESPN and the ESPN App.
"We have worked closely with campus and regional authorities during the last 48 hours to find the best possible solution that allows us to play the game and takes into account the safety of our fans, players, staff and personnel working the game," Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said in a statement. "With tropical conditions possibly expected in our region on Saturday night or Sunday morning, moving the game from 7:30 to Noon will give people a chance to come to the game and return home before any expected weather or effects hit our area."
Last season, the Gators were forced to postpone the LSU game due to Hurricane Matthew. Florida lost a home game last year due to the storm, as both teams agreed to play the game in Baton Rouge, La. and play in Gainesville in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Florida is coming off an opening week loss to Michigan by the score of 33-17. The Northern Colorado game is the team’s home opener. UF had recently announced plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium being named The Swamp in the 1992 season.
Florida head coach Jim McElwain appeared on the weekly SEC coaches teleconference to take a few questions from media members.
* McElwain said the team is looking forward to playing a home game in The Swamp, but that their thoughts are with those potentially affected by Hurricane Irma. He noted that the team has given up its usual home-game hotel to offer shelter during the storm.
*The UF coach got one question about Michigan’s defense. He said the Wolverines showed “some new twists” that were different than what the team has prepared for heading into Dallas. McElwain conceded that the Florida coaches did not do well adjusting to those new twists from the sideline.
*McElwain said he does not see a scenario in which the Northern Colorado game is not played. He joked that he will be the last person to find out and acknowledged that UF officials have been in meetings since Monday monitoring the forecasts and addressing whether the game can safely be played. As with the LSU situation from a year ago, officials must consider where first responders and law enforcement officials are most needed.
*On the injury front, McElwain said that they will see if sophomore safety Chauncey Gardner is able to practice today. Gardner had an MRI on Monday for an apparent injury to his right foot.
McElwain is scheduled to meet with the media at 5:25 p.m. following practice.
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