SECCG Notebook: McElwain, Saban praise Nussmeier amid criticism
ATLANTA, GEORGIA | One of the main reasons Jim McElwain was brought in to lead the Gators football program was to improve the offense. However, after two seasons Florida has regressed in a good number of offensive statistical categories.
A lot of the criticism from the fan base for the offense's woes has been directed toward offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, as the common criticism is that his offense at times could be predictable and too conservative.
When asked about the topic Friday in the Georgia Dome, McElwain defended Nussmeier and delivered plenty of praise for his offensive coordinator. It didn't sound like McElwain was displeased with the job Nussmeier has been doing.
"He's done an outstanding job based on the hands we were dealt when we got here and figuring out those parts and those pieces and giving us opportunities to win ball games has been really good," McElwain said. "Obviously, there's things that need to be continually tweaked and looked at.
"You know what, the one thing I do know is our guys play their tails off, and that's great to see. It will be a constant evolution as we move forward as to how we go about it."
Saban also discussed Nussmeier, who served on Alabama's staff from 2012-13 and won a national title with the Crimson Tide.
"He did a great job for us," Saban said. "I mean, we had success with him as our coordinator. He's a hard worker. He's very bright. He's a good play caller. And I think that he did outstanding. I didn't want him to leave when he left, and we were disappointed, but it was a great opportunity for him.
"He's, I think, doing a good job with the players that he has right now.When you have a lot of injuries and you don't have any consistency in the people that are playing, it makes it more difficult to be able to play with consistency."
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DAVIS WILL PLAY AGAINST ALABAMA
After hinting on Wednesday that Jarrad Davis (ankle) would be available this weekend, McElwain confirmed Friday that the senior linebacker would play against the Crimson Tide.
He added that the return of Davis, who has missed the past three games for the Gators after re-aggravating his ankle injury against Arkansas, would be a huge emotional lift for the team.
"Oh, there's no doubt about it," McElwain said. "Yeah, I expect him to play. There's certain guys that you coach and you're around as your career goes on, he's one of those guys that, if there's even a little opportunity, he's going to do everything he can to be out there. Part of him coming back to school, helping himself as he goes, getting his degree as he promised his mother, was to come back and be a part of a Championship team, and he's going to be a part of that, and that's what's great."
Davis has recorded 56 tackles, 6.0 YFL, two sacks, five quarterback hurries and four pass breakups in eight appearances (all starts) this season at the middle linebacker spot. In his absence, freshman inside linebacker David Reese has seen an increased role.
MORE MCELWAIN ON OREGON
After McElwain said on Wednesday, "No, I have not heard from Oregon" and called his post in Gainesville "a heck of a job," he was posed with the question Friday whether the Oregon rumors were flattering or insulting.
"Flattering in the fact that you're being mentioned or insulting that people would think you'd want to go there?" the reporter asked.
"Well, that's a great way to put it," McElwain replied, keeping the same tone on the subject as he did Wednesday. "I think any time - I think what's pretty cool is any time anybody kind of likes you. Growing up where I grew up, not a lot of people like you. So I think having that opportunity where they really care about you, if it is the case - I mean, I don't know. You read more than I do about it. But to be mentioned, I've got my hunch maybe somebody in recruiting is trying to throw that out there because we've got some early signings coming up.
"But I think any time someone takes notice, I think that's pretty cool. It certainly doesn't hurt my feelings, I guess is what you're asking."
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