Does Florida have anything left in the cupboard for this week?
Coach Jim McElwain and defensive coordinator Geoff Collins are probably pacing the floor with this question on their minds. For an offense that’s struggled to find consistency, the last thing Florida needed was a multitude of injuries on defense. Its greatest fear has occurred, as three players will not suit up this week versus Alabama and two more may possibly be joining them. Per Nick de la Torre of Gator Country, Jarrad Davis, Jeawon Taylor and Jordan Sheritt all have been listed as “OUT” for Saturday’s title game.
#Gators injury report before SEC Championship game pic.twitter.com/jnHT4LFMZL
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) November 28, 2016
Davis, a senior, is among the leaders for Florida in tackles (56), tackles for loss (six), sacks (two) and quarterback hurries (five). He’s totaled five pass breakups this season, and is a finalist for the Butkus Award.
Sheritt, a junior, is a primary contributor along the defensive line. He chimes in with five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two quarterback pressures, while having 38 tackles. Taylor, a freshman, is a reserve defensive back.
On offense, the Gators will be without center Cam Dillard.
The redshirt junior has played in 27 career games, including 10 this year. As Florida’s signal-caller, Dillard has guided the unit to 24.1 points, 141.6 rushing yards and 352.7 total yards a game. Whether it’s Luke Del Rio or Austin Appleby at quarterback, the connection between them and the backup center must be in place.
Defensive lineman Byran Cox and defensive back Nick Washington are both listed as “probable.”
Cox has 19 tackles, while Washington 45 stops and an interception. Florida hopes to have Duke Dawson (ankle), Ahmad Fulwood, Martez Ivey and Daniel McMillion (shoulder) this week, but statuses on Fulwood and Dawson won’t be known until Wednesday. The Gators will face an Alabama defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown in four games, and an offense that’s scored at least 40 points in six of 12 regular season contests.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
