Gators Focused on Vandy, Not East Title

The Florida Gators return to The Swamp for the first time in over a month Saturday when they host the Vanderbilt Commodores.

The no. 10 Gators (7-1, 5-1) can clinch an SEC East title and trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game with a win, but senior wide receiver Valdez Showers says that isn’t their concern.

While you may have a hard time believing Florida is locked in on the Commodores (3-5, 1-3), taking it one week at a time has been the M.O. of Jim McElwain’s team all season. Despite a surprising run into the top ten, senior linebacker Antonio Morrison says the Gators know that they can always improve.

One challenge Florida faces this week is the kick off time. Saturday’s homecoming game drew a noon start on ESPN, which will mark the first time all season the Gators start before 3:30. While some teams can come out flat with an early start, senior offensive tackle Mason Halter says it shouldn’t be an issue for Florida.

While Florida is trending up and looking to clinch a division title, Vandy is licking its wounds after an embarrassing 34-0 loss at Houston. The 34 points were the most allowed by head coach Derek Mason’s defense this season, but Mason remains confident the Dores an turn it around. He says the key to stopping Florida’s offense will be getting pressure on quarterback Treon Harris while keeping contain.

Kick off Saturday between the Gators and Dores is at 12 p.m., but coverage begins at 8 a.m. on ESPN Gainesville 95.3.