Brantley has no concerns about his ribs after taking hard hit in win over Wildcats
Monday, September 26, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
The SEC's leading tackler, Kentucky linebacker Danny Trevathan, briefly put a scare into the Gators on Saturday night when he drilled Florida starting quarterback John Brantley in the ribs.
Brantley dropped back to pass and Trevathan hit him as he was throwing the ball. Brantley walked off the field on his own power but was later escorted to the locker room by trainers to determine the severity of the injury.
“I wasn't really concerned because I knew how I was feeling,'' Brantley said. “They just wanted to be sure. He hit me in the right spot, knocked the breath out of me.
“I'm alright. I was able to go out there that second half and be fine.''
Brantley left the game with 2:59 remaining in the first half, replaced by freshman Jeff Driskel. In the immediate wake of Brantley's exit, Kentucky gained momentum by intercepting Driskel and recovering a fumble on a sack.
Driskel also played much of the fourth quarter as Brantley took a seat with the game out of reach.
However, Brantley returned at the start of the third quarter in Florida's 48-10 win. He completed 2 of 3 passes in the second half and finished 8-for-14 for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Florida coach Will Muschamp isn't concerned about Brantley's health entering Saturday's showdown at The Swamp against Alabama.
"He's fine,'' Muschamp said.
Meanwhile, tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) and Andre Debose (ankle) did not play. Both made the trip to Lexington and warmed up prior to the game. Reed has missed two consecutive games.
Gators coach Will Muschamp wanted to be safe rather than sorry with Alabama coming up.
“They will be back next week,” Muschamp said. “The decision wasn't made until Friday.”
Gators starting right guard Jon Halapio left Saturday's game due to an apparent lower-body injury. Muschamp is expected to update Florida's injuries during his Monday press conference, but Halapio tweeted “I'm good'' on his Twitter account.
