McElwain on LSU Rescheduling, Mizzou, and Del Rio

Florida head coach Jim McElwain spoke to the media in his weekly press conference today, but the circumstances were not exactly traditional.

Hurricane Matthew Wrecks Game Plan

The Gators are coming off what essentially turned into a bye week as their game against LSU this past Saturday was suspended due to Hurricane Mathew. While thankfully the storm did limited damage to the Gainesville area, the decision was made on Thursday to postpone the game. The two schools have yet to agree on a date to make up the game. This has led to criticism from fans and the media alike, which has frustrated McElwain. Ultimately, he feels that the key for the team moving forward is to allow the SEC to handle the situation.

We want to play, if it was the players call we would play , but we don't make the decisions. We just do as we are told

— Teez Tabor (@_31Flavorz) October 8, 2016

Mizzou Coming to Town on Homecoming

If all goes according to plan, the Gators will host Missouri Saturday in the Swamp. The Tigers will come in at a 2-3 record, standing at sixth in the SEC East. However, coach McElwain feels Mizzou will be a challenge for the Gators. The Tigers are coming off bye week, and have demonstrated an explosive offense at times this season. The Tigers have scored a combined 140 points in their two wins, more than the 114 the Gators have in their four victories. For McElwain, however, this matchup signifies a return to normalcy.  With a big homecoming crowd expected, things should feel more similar to the Gators. McElwain reiterated the importance of the team focusing on this week’s game.

It is what it is. Got to catch up on sleep and take care of my body. Ready to take on Mizzou next week!

— Quincy Wilson (@dc_wilson954) October 8, 2016

Del Rio and Injury Updates

One of the brighter news on the injury front in some time for the Gators came in the form of Luke Del Rio. The starting quarterback has been out since suffering an injury against North Texas on September 17. However, McElwain stated that Del Rio will return from his knee injury and play this Saturday. Defensive back Garrett Stephens will also return.

Among the other injured Gators, the news weren’t as bright. Offensive lineman Martez Ivey, receiver Dre Massey, and defensive lineman Jordan Sherit were all declared as “still out.” Receiver Chris Thompson is fighting a tight hamstring, and will be examined this week.