Florida head coach Jim McElwain has focus on Tennessee after win over North Texas. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
McElwain on Wilson's line, Gators-Vols, Callaway upgraded
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
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The run-up to Saturday's Florida-Tennessee game continues.
By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Gators head coach Jim McElwain had some fun of his own on Wednesday's Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference when asked about cornerback Quincy Wilson's guarantee of victory at Tennessee.
If you happened to miss Wilson's comment after Tuesday's practice, he opened his session with reporters this way:
"We have a message from DBU to Tennessee. Have you ever seen a duck pull a truck? Ducks don't pull trucks. Nobody has ever seen a duck pull a truck. Florida Gators are going to win, simple as that. That's all on that. Any other questions?" Wilson
Instantly, ducks and trucks started showing up on Twitter timelines from Gainesville to Knoxville as the teams prepare for Saturday's showdown at Neyland Stadium.
McElwain didn't seem too concerned about Wilson's brash statement, since like most of us, he isn't quite sure of the reference.
"That's a classic right here,'' McElwain said. "I have to find out what it means. I have watched an Aflac commercial and I haven't seen that duck do that."
McElwain's message to Wilson: "Better back it up."
The Gators are clearly having fun with the buzz surrounding Saturday's game between the SEC East rivals, a game that has been anticipated since the summer when Florida's Teez Tabor said the Gators, who have won 11 in a row over the Vols, expect to make it 12 come Sept. 24.
McElwain appears to have the Gators loose despite the loss of starting quarterback Luke Del Rio to a knee injury in last week's 32-0 victory over North Texas.
"This is fun,'' he said. "You get a chance to go on the road, 100,000 people booing you. That's great. This is why you do it. It's going to be a lot of fun."
McElwain said Del Rio will make the trip to provide another source of support for Austin Appleby, who is making his first start for the Gators.
Del Rio has been at practice this week calling in signals and helping in the film room.
"He's preparing himself just like he's the starter,'' McElwain said. "We'll take him on the trip for part of that reason."
Meanwhile, injured receiver Antonio Callaway remains questionable for Saturday's game but continues to make progress from a quad injury. Callaway missed the North Texas game.
"He tried to go a little bit yesterday,'' McElwain said. "I know he'll do everything he can to play. I'm expecting him to have at it."
McElwain sounded encouraged after Wednesday's practice that Callaway will be able to play Saturday.
"Got around good today,'' he said. "Should be able to go."
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