McElwain, Gators prepare for FAU

The eighth ranked Florida Gator football team (9-1) will face Florida Atlantic (2-8) this Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The Gators wrapped up SEC play last Saturday with a win over the Gamecocks. Head Coach Jim McElwain said controlling the time of possession was the key to the victory.

“Offensively, to control the time of possession, the way we did, and limit the possessions there, on the other side, really helps you,” McElwain said.

The Gators have surprised many with their success this season, clinching the SEC East and accumulating a 7-1 record in SEC play. McElwain said the team, as a whole, is responsible for the success.

“I see guys really understanding that the whole team is responsible for our success,” McElwain said.

For now, the Florida Gators will finish out the regular season at home, starting with Saturday’s game versus FAU. The Gators will have a thin defensive line on Saturday with Alex McCalister, Jordan Sherit and Joey Ivie all out with injuries.

McElwain said FAU’s quarterback, Jaquez Johnson, will be a challenge for his team.

“[They] got a quarterback that’s got great size. I’m sure that they’re looking at the Tennessee game and saying ‘quarterback run, quarterback run, quarterback run, play action’ because we still haven’t stopped that,” McElwain said.

McElwain also took time to praise the talent on the FAU football team.

“Our guys understand the type of talent they have. There’s 53 people intertwined in this game from both sides that went to the same schools,” McElwain said.

For McElwain, what is impressive about FAU is their speed.

“I think the thing that strikes you when you watch the film is the overall team speed that this team has,” McElwain said.

McElwain said FAU has a lot to prove and expects the team to play hard versus the Gators on Saturday.

Kickoff for the game is set for noon. Coverage begins on ESPN Gainesville at 8 a.m.