Tag Archives: kentucky

Freshman Star Emerges In Florida’s DB

By: John Whitelow

In just four games, Florida’s corner back Vernon Hargreaves III has managed to produce seven tackles, four pass break ups and three interceptions for 39 return yards. Hargreaves is tied for No. 2 nationally in interceptions and is tied for No. 1 in the SEC.

Hargreaves was originally listed as a back up corner at the stat of the season up until they faced Kentucky this past weekend, he earned his first career start. In that game alone he racked up two tackles, an interception and a pass break up.

Yesterday Hargreaves earned the SEC Freshman player of the week award. Hargreaves intercepted a pass in the end zone from Kentucky’s Maxwell Smith and also leads the gators in interceptions. Hargreaves currently holds the most interceptions by an SEC freshman and the third-most nationally among freshmen.

Hargreaves is definitely a big impact on the SEC’s best pass defense. The group of guys around him will only push Hargreaves to get better and already seems to have good chemistry and trust with each other. Hargreaves has yet to face the tougher teams of the SEC but will only improve through the season. This rookie for Florida is the real deal and by the end of the season, he will be known as one of the best corners in the nation.

Connor Shaw may start Saturday vs Kentucky

According to South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, quarterback Connor Shaw might start against the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday.

Shaw injured his shoulder last week against UCF, and was expected to miss up to three weeks. Shaw practiced with the team on Monday and threw the ball about 60 yards Spurrier said. If he continues to show that he is healthy, you may see Shaw starting this week. The No. 13 (3-1) Gamecocks host Kentucky (1-3) at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Spurrier had no idea that Shaw would show this much progress this early.

“Our trainer had him out two to three weeks,” Spurrier said. “You’ll have to ask our trainers how he made such a miraculous recovery.”

Shaw left the game early and was taken to the locker room, but later returned with his right shoulder in a sling with ice. It looked as if he was another fallen soldier in the SEC and his season was ending early.

For those who remember, Shaw injured his same throwing shoulder in 2012 against Vanderbilt in their season opener. Shaw returned late in the game and led the Gamecocks to the winning drive in their 17-13 win.

Spurrier said he will not be making a decision on who will start this week until Shaw practices more and see if he progresses more.

If Shaw does miss Saturday’s game, it will be a big loss for the Gamecocks. Kentucky gave Florida a small test last week and South Carolina will need to be ready.

Shaw is fourth in SEC pass efficiency and has thrown six touchdowns without a single interception.

SEC Week 5 predictions

Well football fans, its Friday and just a matter of hours away until we kick off with week 5. But at least this week will be a little more exciting than week 4. LSU-Georgia and Alabama-Ole Miss should give the weekend some hype, but the Texas A&M-Arkansas’ rivalry should have everybody on their toes.

#12 South Carolina at UCF

– Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks better bring their A game tomorrow or UCF will take care of business. The Knights won’t lose without a fight. They are a much talented team than last year when Missouri beat them. I still have the Gamecocks though. South Carolina 28, UCF 17.

#6 LSU at #9 Georgia

– This is definitely one of the biggest games of the year and its going to be exciting to watch. My only concern with Georgia is can their defense show up and play good enough to stop LSU’s talented offense? I think LSU tames the Dogs today but not by much. LSU 28, Georgia 21.

South Alabama at Tennessee

– South Alabama beat WKU this year, who Tennessee killed. The Vols can’t expect to get a win handed to them but they shouldn’t have any problem. Tennessee 35, South Alabama 17.

#21 Ole Miss at #1 Alabama

– Everybody has Alabama on their upset alert, but Alabama is still the king of college football this year. They have some fixes in some areas but Saban and the Crimson Tide are too strong for this Ole Miss ball club. It will be a good first half game but look for Alabama to pull away in the second half. Alabama 42, Ole Miss 21.

#20 Florida  at Kentucky

– Its going to be interesting to see how Tyler Murphy plays tomorrow in his first start. With the loss of Driskel and Easley things are going to be shaken up a bit, but the Gators still have a strong reliable defense and they should pull this one out. The score is going to be close and Kentucky will put up a fight. Florida 28, Kentucky 14.

Arkansas State at Missouri

– Missouri has be real surprised the way they have been playing so far this year. I like them for tomorrows game. Missouri 38, Arkansas State 17.

UAB at Vanderbilt

– Vanderbilt has struggled every game so far but UAB still can’t size up to Vandy. Vanderbilt can use this game to fix their on going issues.

#10 Texas A&M at Arkansas

– I’m feeling quite confident in Johnny Manziel and the Aggies this week. They put a good beaten on SMU last week and I think they will handle their business by at least 2 touchdowns. Texas A&M 38, Arkansas 20.

 

Dominique Easley suffers right knee injury

Florida DT Dominique Easley said earlier Wednesday that he could miss the rest of the season after injuring his right knee in practice.

Easley posted on his Twitter that he was done for the year; “Gatornation thank you for all of 4 yrs of sticking with me but god has something else planned for and have no worries #believe.”

However, head coach Will Muschamp reported that Easley’s right knee was only “tweaked” during a non-contact drill during Tuesday’s practice. Muschamp said “we think he’ll be fine. We just need more information right now.”

Through the first four games, Easley has recorded four quarterback hurries and two tackles for a loss. He suffered from a anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee back in 2011.

If the news is true, this will be a huge blow for the Gators. Easley will be the second starter in less than a week who will miss the rest of the season. Quarterback Jeff Driskel fractured his right fibula last weekend in the victory over Tennessee.

The Gators will travel this Saturday to take on Kentucky at 7pm.