This hasn’t been Urban Meyer’s week

By Darrell Laurant  |   Tuesday, October 02, 2007  |  Comments( 2 )

College Football
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Adversity, Florida coach Urban Meyer likes to say, is what makes champions.

If that's the case, then the Gators ought to be more than ready to face No. 1 LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday night. This week, Meyer and his team have had adversity aplenty.

First, of course, there was the emotional hangover from the team's first loss against Auburn last Saturday. Then word got out that three Gator players were being questioned -- as witnesses, not suspects -- about a shooting outside a Gainesville nightclub early Sunday morning. Next, senior safety (and captain) Tony Joiner was charged with burglary for trying to spirit his girlfriend's car out of an impound lot. Later on Tuesday, Meyer got the word that tackle Phil Trautwein -- a 2006 starter -- would miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture of his right foot, and that freshman RB Chris Rainey was also done for 2007. Then, long snapper James Smith and backup guard Maurice Hurt were also looking like doubtful participants against the Bayou Bengals.

On the plus side, Meyer said he thought wide receiver Andre "Bubba" Caldwell, coming off a knee sprain, would be ready.

Commentary: Trautwein, a preseason All-SEC pick, hadn't played all year. He'll rehab his foot, injured during preseason practice, and play next year. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Maurkice Pouncey has been filling in.

Rainey, who needs surgery on his shoulder, showed some promise with a 10-yard run and a 39-yard kickoff return earlier this season.

A healthy Caldwell would be a huge boost, though. He's not only one of the team's best receivers, but an emotional leader.

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