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Attention Quickly Turns To Miami

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 1, 2008

GAINESVILLE - Well, that didn't take long.

Within minutes after the Florida Gators opened their season Saturday by running roughshod over the Hawaii Warriors, talk turned to this week's return engagement with the Miami Hurricanes.

It will be the first regular-season meeting between the schools since 2003. More noteworthy, the Gators have lost six straight (including two bowl games) to the Hurricanes and must go all the way back to 1985 for their last victory against their state rival.

That means there's a lot of catching up to do against the U - on and off the field.

"I want you to tell them I don't refer to them as the U. I refer to them as Miami," senior WR Louis Murphy said. "If I am right, the U is for the University of Miami. Well, we are the University of Florida. And I refer to us as the U. They are Miami."

Murphy's prodding comes honestly. Out of St. Petersburg's Lakewood High, he had the Hurricanes at the top of his want list four years ago. Except Miami never called.

"I wanted to go there," he said. "That was my top school. You know, when I was coming out they were loaded. They were actually good. I wanted to go there and be part of that receiving crew. But we have our receiving crew now here. Payback, you know."

INJURY REPORT: Good news for Florida is that playmaking WR Percy Harvin and all-SEC LB Brandon Spikes are likely to see action against UM after sitting out the first week.

"Harvin I think will play and would put him as probable," Coach Urban Meyer said. "And Spikes I'd put as probable."

Starting G Jim Tartt was listed as questionable after re-aggravating a shoulder injury, although Meyer called him "a tough guy," and predicted playing duty. Backup LB Ryan Stamper probably will be out after undergoing surgery Sunday on an injured thumb.

"GAMEDAY" RETURNS: ESPN announced Sunday that its "College GameDay" show will emanate from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium before the Gators and Hurricanes kick off at 8 p.m.

The show will be broadcast from the grassy area outside the north end zone of The Swamp.

Florida will be making its 28th appearance on "GameDay," a figure that leads the nation.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Everybody knew Florida was going to move the football. Far less certain was the Gators' passing defense that was last in the SEC last year.

Against Hawaii's version of the run-and-shoot, Florida looked greatly improved.

The Warriors completed 21 of 39 passes for 181 yards but were picked off four times. Both Florida safeties, Ahmad Black and Major Wright, took picks back for touchdowns.

WHAT WENT WRONG: The Gators were called for 13 penalties.

"You can't have penalties," Meyer moaned. "You think it's going to be first-and-10, and it's first down and 5. You get a nice play of offense and a guy moved, or a guy doesn't line up correctly."

Mick Elliott

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