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Harvin Likely Will Play Against Noles

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

GAINESVILLE - The University of Florida's offense could get more explosive this week with the expected return of WR Percy Harvin. Meanwhile, the Gators' already shaky pass defense could get shakier if a sprained ankle keeps freshman CB Joe Haden from playing against Florida State.
Florida coach Urban Meyer said Sunday that Harvin, who has missed the Gators' past two games, has recovered from a sinus infection and migraine headaches and should play against the Seminoles.

"Percy Harvin is down there working right now," Meyer said during a morning teleconference. "He said he feels much better."

Meyer seemed less confident about Haden, who until Saturday had been the Gators' most consistent corner. Haden suffered a high ankle sprain during Florida's 59-20 win Saturday against Florida Atlantic. Meyer said Haden is "questionable" for the FSU game.

Harvin's return may not affect the Gators as much as Haden's absence. In two games without Harvin, Florida gained 1,038 yards and scored 111 points.

With Haden hobbled, FAU QB Rusty Smith threw for 197 second-quarter yards. Redshirt freshman Jaqcues Rickerson eventually replaced Haden. Meyer said Rickerson or freshman Moses Jenkins would replace Haden if he can't play.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: TE/WR Cornelius Ingram re-established his place in the offense Saturday for the first time since spraining an ankle Oct. 27. Ingram made two leaping touchdown catches, and he could be a tough matchup for the Seminoles this week. Meanwhile, TE Aaron Hernandez also earned more playing time with three catches for 58 yards, including a touchdown.

WHAT WENT WRONG: The Gators committed 12 penalties Saturday, including three in a four-play span as they drove to score at the end of the first half. Florida extricated itself from several bad down-and-distance situations Saturday, but that good fortune may not last. After the game, a frustrated Ingram imagined how the offense might perform if it eliminated careless mistakes.

"We'd definitely score 100 points," Ingram said. "Like, seriously, score 100 points. Mistake-free football, with the athletes we have and the coaches we have - 100 points."

INJURY UPDATE: Meyer said he wasn't sure how long DT Lawrence Marsh's left foot injury would keep him out, but he said DT Mike Pouncey (knee) should play against the Seminoles.

Andy Staples

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