Muschamp provides injury updates, other tidbits from SEC Media Teleconference
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
Gators coach Will Muschamp made his first appearance on the weekly SEC Media Teleconference earlier today.
Here are some highlights of Muschamp's session with reporters:
--The Gators will open the season on Saturday against Florida Atlantic and according to Muschamp, they'll do so without any concerns about John Brantley's sore back.
Brantley missed time in practice last week due to lower-back pain but appears ready to make his 2011 debut against the Owls.
“He's really responded well to the treatments and different things that we've done,'' Muschamp said. “We have an outstanding medical staff here.”
--As for other injury updates, Muschamp said cornerback Jeremy Brown (knee) remains questionable for Saturday. Brown was able to run during practice Tuesday but remains hobbled.
Also, receiver Omarius Hines (hamstring) remains slowed and is questionable. Finally, linebacker Dee Finley (shoulder) returned to non-contact drills in Tuesday's practice but remains questionable for Saturday's game. Muschamp said Finley will be re-evaluated by team doctors today to better determine his status for Saturday.
--Muschamp reiterated that he is ready for his first game as Florida's head coach, as are the players.
“Our guys are anxious to play a game like most everybody in college football,'' he said. “I'm pleased with our preparation at this point as a staff. We're looking forward to teeing it up and we're judged on game day, so that's what we're looking forward to.”
--A reporter asked Muschamp what to expect from him on the sideline Saturday. In case you haven't heard, he can be a bit animated during a game.
“I plan on being emotional. That's kind of me,'' he said.
--And yes, Muschamp was asked once again about the beach house that he co-owns with Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. They still co-own the beach house.
Muschamp said he is not particularly looking forward to facing friends Derek Dooley, Nick Saban and Fisher regularly, but that's part of his new job.
As for his current relationship with Fisher, Muschamp quipped: “We don't share a whole lot of notes, that's for sure.''
