By many accounts, Florida’s 41-7 loss to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl last year was considered an embarrassing moment for the program.
However, Florida head coach Jim McElwain has seen a better approach from his team during bowl season this time around, as the Gators prepare for a matchup with Iowa in the Outback Bowl in Tampa on Monday at 1 p.m. ET and look to avoid ending the year on a three-game losing streak for the second consecutive season.
“I think a little bit in regards to the year before, what were we picked, like fourth in the east or something, and they ended up winning the SEC East, and I think maybe in some ways became a little satisfied with that,” McElwain said Wednesday during a joint press conference with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. “You've just got to keep driving forward, and every team has a different makeup.”
As far as the effort from Florida’s seniors and draft-eligible juniors, McElwain has been pleased with what he’s seen thus far. Looking back in retrospect, the Gators may have not put their best foot forward during the preparation process last year for the Michigan contest. When he arrived as part of the program this past offseason, quarterback Austin Appleby recalls being told, “Guys were maybe looking ahead, thinking about the next level and maybe were trying to protect their bodies.”
McElwain sees a different mindset this time around.
“You know what, our team has had really good practices,” McElwain said. “They've been locked in when we've been at practice. You see them around the building watching tape, which tells you that they're focused on the next task at hand, but time will tell."
The Gators have practiced the past two days at Jesuit High School in Tampa and will continue to do so every afternoon this week up to Sunday. In between, the team will be part of a number of events, including a team outing at Busch Gardens, a trip to a Tampa Bay Lightning game and a visit to Clearwater Beach. Both Florida and Iowa went bowling Tuesday night.
With all of the festivities, there could end up being some room for distraction.
"It's a reward not only for the players but for all the people within the organization," McElwain said. "I mean, our offices back in Gainesville are emptied out, and that's good, because they work their tail off. Anybody that is involved with the football organization, it's a chance for those families, the coaches' wives and the coaches' families to come and really enjoy in this case the great place that Tampa is.
"Yet at the same time what you do with your guys is say, look, here's the period of time you need to be locked in," he continued. "Guys, this is time, we're trusting you, and you find out the trust of your team. You find out the leadership of your team. But when you're in that football environment for those hours, man, it's locked in and ready to roll. And from there, go out and enjoy yourselves."
Ultimately, McElwain wants his team to enter Monday's matchup with a competitive mindset.
"Personally any time you get the opportunity to go compete, I don't care what it's in. If you want to go and play some dominos right now, I'm going to try to beat you," McElwain said. "That's what it's all about. So any chance you get to go out and compete in whatever it is you do in life, that's great, and yet it's the lessons learned from the competition.
"Sometimes the importance of winning the game is huge, but at the same time, it can work the other way going into the off-season. You know what, this is an opportunity now, guys, that we have to go prove ourselves once we get into the off-season. "
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INJURY UPDATE
Linebacker Alex Anzalone (broken arm) and quarterback Luke Del Rio (shoulder) were both participants full-contact in Wednesday's practice. Anzalone and Del Rio have missed Florida's past four games.
Meanwhile, linebackers Jarrad Davis (ankle) and David Reese (wrist) did not participate. Safeties Marcus Maye (broken arm) and Jeawon Taylor (shoulder), and defensive end Jordan Sherit (knee) remain sidelined and aren't expected to play Monday.
Kicker Eddy Pineiro, who reportedly dealt with a health condition during the holiday break, was a participant in Wednesday's practice.
"He's here," McElwain said. "He'll be out there today and do whatever he does. I don't know that he practices a ton, to be honest. I think he swings his leg around a little bit. So he'll do that."
A SPECIAL GUEST AT WEDNESDAY'S PRACTICE
During Florida's practice Wednesday afternoon at Jesuit High School, Monday Night Football commentator and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden stopped by and delivered a speech to the team.
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