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Caldwell On Verge Of Leaving Mark

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By ANDY STAPLES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2007

GAINESVILLE - Whether it comes today against Florida Atlantic or next week against Florida State, Florida receiver Andre Caldwell is certain of one thing. No matter how hard he gets hit, no matter how badly he wants to launch the football in celebration, when catch No. 172 lands in his hands, he will not let go.

"I want to throw the ball in the stands, but I need that ball, so I can't do that," Caldwell said. "Whatever I do, I have to keep that ball in my hands."

When he signed with Florida, the former Jefferson High star never thought he'd be a Gator long enough to break a career record. Then, as one injury after another extended his stay in Gainesville, Caldwell wondered at times if he'd ever get healthy enough to make his mark on the program.

Now, the player everyone calls "Bubba" needs nine catches to break Carlos Alvarez's 26-year-old school receptions record.

"Some of the finest receivers in the history of college football played here," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "Bubba has changed a lot since Meyer took over in 2005. Bubba didn't like to practice. Bubba was kind of a guy that was set in his ways and he did improve. He's one of our best practice players now."

Caldwell, who has caught 20 passes in Florida's past two games, admits he probably wouldn't have been ready for the NFL had he left after last season. He had healed from a broken leg suffered in September 2005, but he still hadn't mastered the finer points of receiving such as route-running and perimeter blocking.

This past spring, Meyer thought Florida's receivers were slacking. So he sat Caldwell down to watch video of Meyer's receivers at Utah in 2004. The Utes weren't heavily recruited and couldn't match the athleticism of Florida's receivers, but they ran perfect routes and drove opposing secondaries mad.

"I brought him in and said, 'This is the way it's supposed to look. Not a whole lot of five stars running these routes but this is the way it's supposed to look.' I saw his reaction," Meyer said. "He's been a great improvement."

And just when it seemed Caldwell had found his groove, he sprained a knee against Troy on Sept. 8. It took six games to get back to full speed.

But during that time, Caldwell continued to improve on the little things. Now, when he finally does leave Florida and enter the NFL draft, he'll be ready. In the meantime, he plans to enjoy himself and break at least one record.

"It doesn't get any better than this," Caldwell said. "This is the best place in the country. The NFL will always be there, and just being here with these guys every day makes things a lot easier for me."

Florida Atlantic (5-4) at Florida (7-3)

KICKOFF: Noon; Gainesville

TV/RADIO: Pay-per-view/WDAE, 620 AM

THE LINE: Florida by 34 1/2

KEEP AN EYE ON
FAU - Freshman CB Tavious Polo is tied for first in the nation with seven interceptions. Also, watch to see if S Taheem Acevedo can back up his big talk about stopping Gators QB Tim Tebow. Here's what Acevedo told The Palm Beach Post this week: "My game plan - and I heard other people downstairs talking about it - is to get him out of the game. I don't care how it happens, we just have to get him out of the game. He carries that team."

Florida - The Gators offense has clicked down the stretch. Florida has averaged 50.5 points in its past two games and 44 points in its past four. During that time, Tebow has accounted for 20 touchdowns (10 rushing, 10 passing).

KEY STAT
FAU - Owls coach Howard Schnellenberger went 3-2 against Florida as Miami's coach from 1979-84. The second loss, in 1983, was Miami's only loss en route to a national title.

Florida - Florida hasn't lost a non-conference game in the regular season since falling to Florida State in 2003.

INJURY UPDATE
FAU - DT Josh Savidge (knee) and DL Josh Pinnick (knee) are questionable.

Florida - WR Percy Harvin (migraine headaches) is out. DT Terron Sanders (ankle) is out. OG Maurice Hurt (shoulder) is doubtful. OG Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) is probable.

AT STAKE
FAU - A win would make the season for the Owls, although that probably won't happen. But if they play well, they would gain confidence as they head into games against Florida International and Troy in their quest for a Sun Belt Conference title.

Florida - Some of the younger Gators will have a chance to get quality snaps, and Tebow should be able to pile up more statistics in support of his Heisman Trophy candidacy. For Florida, the most important games will take place in Athens, Ga., and Knoxville, Tenn. Losses by Georgia and Tennessee would give the Gators the SEC East title.

KEY MATCHUPS
When FAU has the ball - Young Florida DTs Mike Pouncey and Torrey Davis should be able to use this game as a learning experience. Owls sophomore QB Rusty Smith has thrown for 2,441 yards and 20 touchdowns. He might find himself being chased by freshman DE Carlos Dunlap, who has earned more playing time recently.

When Florida has the ball - The Gators didn't struggle to score last week without WR Percy Harvin. They probably won't struggle this week, either. WR Andre Caldwell needs nine catches to break the school receptions record. If Owls CB Tavious Polo covers Caldwell, the record might have to wait a week.

PREDICTION
Florida fans who think this will be exactly like last year's Week 12 shellacking of Western Carolina are mistaken. The Owls are a well-coached team that might win a conference title. They beat Minnesota and pushed the University of South Florida to the limit this season. That said, they'll still have a problem stopping the Gators offense.

Score: Florida 49, FAU 20

Reporter Andy Staples can be reached at (352) 262-3719 or astaples@tampatrib.com.

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