Five questions with Phillip Heilman, sports editor, The Alligator
1. How do you think Tyler Murphy has handled his unexpected role as a starting quarterback, and does his injury seem serious enough that he has a legitimate chance of not playing against South Carolina? If he can’t go, who will replace him?
Tyler Murphy burst onto the scene in his first three games for the Gators. Since then, he and the Florida offense have fallen on hard times. Overall, he has been mostly serviceable but has failed to make enough plays in the past month to win. Murphy has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and is considered day-to-day after not practicing all week. If he can’t go — something I would say is a real possibility at this point — redshirt freshman Skyler Mornhinweg would start in his place.
2. How surprised were Florida fans and coaches with the loss to Vanderbilt last Saturday? What sort of impact did that loss have on head coach Will Muschamp’s job security?
From Florida’s perspective, losing to Vanderbilt was a bit of a shock considering it had not happened in 22 years. But that is kind of where the Gators are at right now. Injuries have derailed the season, and even becoming bowl eligible is in question at this point. That said, Muschamp’s job is safe. I can’t envision him being fired, though many fans have clamored for that to happen.
3. Kind of going off of that, is there still a lot of faith in Muschamp down in Gainesville, or are the Gator faithful ready to move on to a new chapter?
I believe the levelheaded individuals in Gainesville still believe in Muschamp. He led them to the Sugar Bowl last season before being besieged by injuries this year. Like anything else, those in opposition probably have made more noise than those in favor of Muschamp, but I think he is still supported.
4. Obviously, Florida has been devastated by injuries, and that continued this week with the season-ending injury to linebacker Antonio Morrison. What kind of toll has that taken on the team, and is there worry that the players will give up on the season now that there is not much left to play for, besides bowl eligibility?
Injuries have plagued this team all season, and even if players will not admit it, I believe it has sapped some of their juice. As I mentioned before, they went to the Sugar Bowl last season and entered this year with high expectations. No matter how mentally tough you are, losing your starting quarterback, running back, best defensive player and a slew of other key guys hits you hard.
5. As is the case most years, the Gator defense has played well this season. What kind of advantage do you think they could have against the South Carolina offense? On the other hand, is there any advantages that the offense may have against Jadeveon Clowney and the Gamecock defense?
Florida’s defense has regressed considerably since early in the season. That said, its secondary is still one of the best in the country. If Connor Shaw is loose with the football, the Gators have the ability to create turnovers, though they have not been able to at a very high frequency this season. Offensively, if the hapless Gators can survive without Clowney killing one of their quarterbacks, I think they would call that a win.
Prediction: 24-10 South Carolina.
Florida’s offense has not shown the ability to move the ball with any consistency as of late. South Carolina should be able to make enough plays offensively to win with ease.