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Gators Get Brief Thanksgiving Break

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 22, 2007

GAINESVILLE - Those tires you heard squealing to the north Thursday were peeling out of the parking lot directly across from Florida Field.

Florida football players left their morning practice and piled into cars to either head home or join teammates heading home for a brief Thanksgiving break. Coach
Urban Meyer said Wednesday that the players are required to be back in Gainesville by 3 p.m. today to resume preparation for Saturday's game against Florida State.

Those who don't hitch a ride with a teammate and elect to stay in Gainesville have an open invitation to feast on turkey at the homes of several members of the Gators' coaching staff. Meyer said he doesn't expect a large crowd to stick around Gainesville.

"Most of our guys go," Meyer said. "I always ask [them to come to his house] but I think they'd rather go hang out with their boys a little bit."

SENIOR DEJA VU: Even though Saturday will be Meyer's seventh senior day as a head coach, he still hasn't grown accustomed to the realization that he is about to say goodbye to another group of players he has grown to love. Fourteen Gators are expected to play their final home game against FSU.

So don't be surprised, Meyer said, if he gets a little choked up before kickoff.

"I get awfully close to these players," Meyer said. "I think it's real emotional."

Andy Staples

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