Re: 2009 College Football Notebook
FLORIDA
The No. 1 Gators kept six more players out of practice Tuesday because of flu like symptoms. Florida coach Urban Meyer said starting linebacker A.J. Jones was among those feeling ill. No player has had a confirmed case of swine flu, but Meyer has expressed concern that the virus could ravage the defending national champions. Receivers coach Billy Gonzales, who was sent home the day before because he had a fever, returned to practice Tuesday wearing gloves and a mask. Also not at practice were defensive back Josh Evans, receiver Justin Williams, running back Mike Gillislee, defensive end Earl Okine and offensive lineman Shawn Schmieder.
TENNESSEE
The Tennessee football team's woeful passing game has lost its leading receiver for at least one game, and possibly a few more. Senior Quintin Hancock, who comfortably leads the team with 11 receptions and 128 yards through three games, injured his jaw in last Saturday's loss to Florida. Hancock will miss at least Saturday's game against Ohio, and might also miss critical SEC home games against Auburn and Georgia the following two weeks. Hancock's injury came on the reception he fumbled out of bounds.
ALABAMA
Earning his undergraduate degree in three years made Greg McElroy one happy quarterback. Although his enrollment in a masters program means taking night classes, McElroy's mornings can involve more football work. "It's pretty enjoyable sleeping in and relaxing, watching film during the day," McElroy said. The quarterback was able to earn his bachelor's degree by taking 15 hours every summer. Low grades have never been an issue for McElroy since the worst he has ever had is a B+. He is one of 13 players on the Alabama roster who possess undergrad diplomas.
For all the statistical categories the Alabama defense leads, the one lagging behind bothers the unit more than anything. They crave more turnovers. Through three games, the SEC leader in rushing and total defense has recovered just two fumbles, both on special team and intercepted one pass. Cornerback Javier Arenas said there is no secret to upping the fumble numbers. Just start ripping the ball out.
OREGON'S CHIP KELLY
Apparently, when the Oregon Ducks fans think their team doesn't play well enough, new head coach Chip Kelly Pays the price. In his debut as the Ducks' head coach, normally high scoring Oregon didn't get a first down in the first half, senior LeGarrette Blount punched a guy on the other team, and the Ducks lost to Boise State 19-8. It couldn't get much worse than that in a coach's first game, and playing on national television made it a complete disaster. How do you repair that damage? Well, Kelly wrote one fan who complained a check for his ticket, travel and lodging to the road game. Seems Coach Kelly didn't make any excuses saying "I'm sorry" in the form of a $500 check. Way to go Coach!
EARLY SEASON MONEY MAKERS (ATS)
Auburn 3-0
South Carolina 3-0
Nebraska 3-0
Clemson 3-0
Boise State 3-0
U Conn 3-0
Idaho 3-0
Syracuse 3-0
Michigan 3-0
UCLA 3-0