UF's offensive line pushes back
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 | Football, Scott Carter
Gators senior center Mike Pouncey stood at the podium during a Monday press conference with tape on his left ankle, one of several UF offensive linemen who hobbled to the sideline at different times in the Gators' win over Kentucky.
The offensive line has been bruised and battered for much of the season, lacking significant depth without sophomore Matt Pachan (wrist) and junior James Wilson (knee) healthy.
While Pouncey, Xavier Nixon and Carl Johnson all needed treatment in the Kentucky game, Pouncey expected all three at practice on Tuesday as the Gators continue to prepare for Saturday's showdown with No. 1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
“It's just small stuff,'' Pouncey said. “It was nothing big. We've just got to go up there full strength, gotta have everybody back and go up there as the Florida team that went out and played last Saturday.''
Despite the multitude of injuries up front, the line has kept opposing defenses off quarterback John Brantley -- the Gators have allowed only two sacks in four games -- and opened enough holes in the running game for the offense to take control in the second half.
"The offensive line has done a great job, even in the second half when everyone is tired, they are still fighting, getting positive yards by pushing people back in that running game,'' Brantley said.
