Highlights from Outback Bowl conference call with Meyer and Paterno
Monday, December 6, 2010 | Football, Women's Swimming & Diving, Scott Carter
Florida coach Urban Meyer and Penn State's Joe Paterno held a 30-minute conference call this morning to discuss their Outback Bowl matchup in Tampa on New Year's Day.
Here are some highlights from the call:
--Paterno and his wife Sue have spent time with Meyer and his wife Shelley a couple of times over the years. Paterno is a big fan of Meyer on and off the field.
“Urban is one of my favorite people in coaching,'' JoePa said. “It's going to be exciting to play against him. He has been very innovative and ahead of things. He's not one of those showoffs or anything like that. He is very honest. He seems to always be one step ahead of the people he is playing against.''
Meanwhile, Meyer's respect for Paterno also runs deep.
“Coach Paterno is college football,'' Meyer said. “It's an honor to coach against him. He does it the right way.''
--Meyer said with defensive line coach Dan McCarney leaving to become head coach at North Texas, graduate assistant Tony Weaver will fill McCarney's spot for the Outback Bowl.
--Redshirt freshman quarterback Jordan Reed continues to recover from a concussion he suffered at Florida State. Reed has not practiced since the Nov. 27 game.
Meyer said he is optimistic Reed will be available to play in the Outback Bowl.
--Meyer on receiving an Outback Bowl invitation after early projections had the 7-5 Gators playing in the Gator Bowl: “I think it's a great bowl. I'd say a little surprised; appreciative, and a little surprised.”
--Paterno said from what he has seen of Florida, they have very similar speed to the Alabama team the Nittany Lions lost to, 24-3, earlier this season. Florida lost at Alabama 31-6 a couple of weeks after Penn State played in Tuscaloosa.
“I don't think we can match their speed,'' Paterno said. “We are obviously going to have to be in good position.''
--Meyer said RB Jeff Demps continues to wear a boot to protect his injured left foot and that he hopes Demps can be more effective in the Outback Bowl.
--Best quote of the conference call came from Paterno when asked what he used to do for fun when he visited Florida: “When I was single, I used to chase the girls,'' Paterno quipped.
--Meyer was asked whether Steve Addazio will be Florida's offensive coordinator next season: “I'm expecting that to happen. I'll keep you updated.”
--Meyer said DL Terron Sanders (shoulder) and DL Lawrence Marsh (hip) have had surgery since the end of the season.
--Finally, Meyer said with the additional time to prepare, Florida will make more adjustments on offense.
“You'll certainly see some changes,'' he said.
