Teleconference Blog: Randy Shannon and Barry Odom preview Florida-Missouri
Two SEC East programs in need of a conference win will meet on Saturday in Columbia, Mo. Florida (3-4, 3-3 SEC) is looking to snap a three-game losing skid while Missouri (3-5, 0-4 SEC) is seeking its first conference win of the season. Florida interim coach Randy Shannon and Mizzou coach Barry Odom previewed the match-up on the weekly SEC coaches teleconference.
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* Notebook: Shannon nearing quarterback decision, giving Rumph free rein
* With Davis out for season, Shannon calls on Thompson to step up
* Florida seniors react to second major coaching change of their careers
* Monday Practice Insider: Shannon holds practice in The Swamp
* Interim coach Randy Shannon shaking things up
* Blog: Randy Shannon addresses media as interim head coach
* Stricklin wants to make Florida fun again
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* Gators players have been upbeat, positive and enthusiastic in practice this week, according to Shannon.
* Shannon pointed out Missouri's history of dominant defensive lines. He mentioned Terry Beckner Jr. and Marcell Frazier as impressive d-linemen on this year's Tigers squad.
* One of the reasons Shannon gave up defensive coordinator responsibilities as interim head coach was to be able to focus on offense and defense in practice. Co-coordinator Chris Rumph has been promoted to defensive coordinator.
* Shannon will likely announce a starting quarterback Wednesday night or Thursday morning. He wants to go through one more day of practice. Redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks, who has started six games including the last three, is competing with graduate transfer Malik Zaire, yet to start a game at Florida, for the nod.
* Shannon agrees that coaches face more pressure in the SEC. He cited attendance and passion of fanbases as reasons.
* Sophomore wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, cited on Jim McElwain's post-Georgia injury report, has looked healthy in practice and has not missed any reps.
* Missouri's veterans in the passing game at quarterback and wide receiver will present a challenge for Florida's young secondary.
* The biggest focus in practice has been avoiding negative plays, particularly penalties such as false start which Shannon says are mental mistakes.
* Odom says his team is looking to get into November and will take the final four games one at a time.
* Odom believes Mizzou played as good as it has as a team all year last week in its 52-12 road win over UConn.
* Odom says he doesn't personally know Shannon, but has great respect for what he's done in his coaching career.
* Odom says Florida has recruited well and has tremendous coaches. He is asking his team to focus on themselves this week.
* Odom says his team is starting to figure out what it takes to prepare the right way during the week.
* Odom notes that junior quarterback Drew Lock has noticeably matured over the course of the year.
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