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It's Still Coach Carr's Team

AP photo

The Gators' Aaron Hernandez, left, Mike Pouncey, center, and Maurkice Pouncey share a laugh before practice Saturday.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 30, 2007

Updated: 12/30/2007 12:33 am

ORLANDO - Michigan RB Mike Hart made clear Saturday that incoming coach Rich Rodriguez will have to wait until retiring coach Lloyd Carr is finished before he holds any sway with the Wolverines. Carr will retire after Michigan faces Florida in the Capital One Bowl on Tuesday.

"This is our team. This is Coach Carr's team," Hart said at a Saturday news conference. "This is not Coach Rod's team. On Jan. 2, it will be his team."

A Michigan spokesman said Rodriguez is expected to travel to Orlando, but Carr and his staff will handle all of the game preparation. After the game, most of Carr's staff will begin job hunting.

Rodriguez, who is being sued by former employer West Virginia for the $4 million buyout he owes after breaking his contract, originally declined to retain any of Carr's assistants. He has since re-hired running backs coach Fred Jackson.

ELDER STATESMAN: Florida WR Andre Caldwell has endured teasing from teammates all season about his advanced age. Saturday, Caldwell, 22, embraced his maturity.

Someone asked the fifth-year senior from Tampa if he's had a chance to enjoy any of Orlando's theme parks during the run up to Tuesday's game.

"I've been to all these theme parks three or four times because I'm from around the way," Caldwell said. "So I've skipped out on a couple of them trips. I've spent my time laying around. I've got an old body. I can't do it like I used to."

Andy Staples

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