Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Game 11 FLORIDA 1 p.m., Nov. 16 Gainesville, Fla. BY J. KEITH ALLEN THE GAMECOCK Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Spurrier has left the building. And while many football fans wouldn’t recognize new head coach Ron Zook if he fell over them wear ing a Gators jacket and headset, the new head man in Gainesville is poised to take over the loaded pro gram that Spurrier left behind when he bolted for the NFL. With Spurrier’s de parture, Zook realizes that an air of uncer tainty hangs over the Florida program, and that suits him just fine. “We’re excited to get going,” Zook said. There are a “lot of questions about the University of Florida right now, and we kind of like that.” One area without question at Florida is the potent offense, which will still re semble Spurrier’s old “Fun ‘N’ Gun” at tack. Rex Grossman returns for his ju nior season after leading the nation in passing last season with an average of 354.2 yards per game. The preseason PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCK Rex Grossman finished second last season in the Heisman Trophy balloting. Heisman Trophy candidate (and last year’s runner-up) will have to acquaint himself with a relatively inexperienced group of receivers in 2002 after losing Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell in the NFL Draft. Zook acknowledges the depth prob lem at receiver, but he sees it as a chance for lesser-known players to shine. Thompson can count on an elite sec ondary with the return of two-time All SEC free safety Todd Johnson. Johnson notched 85 tackles with two intercep tions in 2001. With all the hoopla surrounding Spurrier’s departure and Zook’s hiring, it has been a busy offseason for the Gators. But a squad returning five play ers on offensive and five on defense should be able to block out the inevitable early-season distractions. Florida faces a daunting schedule, including a Sept. 7 matchup with defending national cham pion Miami, and it should be as tough an opponent as always when the Gamecocks roll into The Swamp on Nov. 16. Owls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 starters back on the field. Tanardo Sharps will once again be looked to as the team’s primary rusher. Last year, Sharps had 855 yards on the ground. Sophomore quarterback Mike McGann ap pears to have locked down the starting job, but he could be pressed by senior Mike Frost. Last season, McGann completed 87 of 190 passes for three touchdowns and nine interceptions. Perhaps Temple’s greatest offensive weapon is wide receiver Sean Dillard. Dillard led the Big East last season with 4.64 receptions per game. Senior wideout Zamir Cobb is slated to start opposite Dillard. On the defensive side of the ball, Temple re turns seven starters. This year, the Owls will operate out of a 4-2-5 formation. Senior Dan Klecko is the only returning unanimous All-Big East defensive player in the conference. Last season, Klecko registered 19.5 tackles for a loss and notched 27 quarterback hurries. Klecko has the versatility to play both end and tackle. Coach Wallace might have high expecta tions for his team, but if they don’t live up to their goal of making a bowl game, Wallace will likely be heading out of town. The Owls certainly won’t have it easy early on, considering that in three of their first four games, they will face Oregon State, Miami and the Gamecocks. "It gives young guys an opportunity to step up, and that's what they came to Florida for," Zook said. The sole head liner returning at receiver is last year's Orange Bowl MVP, Taylor Jacobs. Earnest Graham, who never served as a primary offensive weapon last year while battling a sprained ankle, will start at tailback, but he’ll have to labor behind an offensive line without any seniors. Graham rushed for 650 yards with nine touchdowns in 2001. Along with Zook, Florida welcomes new defensive coordinator John Thompson. Thompson’s resume includes defensive turnarounds at Arkansas, Memphis, and Southern Mississippi, and he will implement a new multiple 4-3 scheme for the Gators. lFlTatiJ Back to School pH Savings! ANY PURCHASE Yolj'II find everything you need for Back OF $50 OR MORE, to School at any of our three Columbia OfficeMax locations. Back to School sale going on now! Valid at Columbia Stores Expires 09/28/02 To redeem, simply present to Customer Service Desk. One coupon per customer. Not good with any qther offer, tor OfficeMax Gift Cards, Plusl Save $10 off any purchase Of $50 or OfficeMax credit payments. Excludes computers. No photocopies accepted. or more with your special coupon here. 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