Florida coach Urban Meyer gave his final press briefing before the team heads to Birmingham, Ala. tomorrow. The Gators play No. 1 Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa (8 p.m., CBS).
– RB Jeff Demps participated in all parts of today’s practice but did not do so at full speed. Meyer keeps saying Demps has a sprained left foot, which could mean either a sprained ankle or a bruised foot.
“We’re gonna try to practice him tomorrow more,” Meyer said. “He’s still limited but he’s probable for the game Saturday”
– DTs Lawrence Marsh (hamstring) and Brandon Antwine (shoulder) are both available to play this week.
– Meyer said K Caleb Sturgis continues to suffer from a back injury. Sturgis missed an extra point, a field goal and has at least two kickoffs out of bounds this season.
“It’s going to be something he’s going to have to deal with and work through and he has,” Meyer said. “He’s done a nice job with it.”
– Coming off his most productive game yet with four catches for 36 yards, WR Andre Debose has put in a solid week of practice. That’s a good sign for Debose, who could play a bigger role this week.
“Getting close,” Meyer said. “Good week. He had a good week. He’s still very much involved. I made the comment last week and it’s going to be for the next week: if he doesn’t practice very well… He’s really coming on. Good to see that, too.”
Debose’s grasp of the playbook has grown, too.
“A little bit more,” Meyer said. “He just can’t handle it right now. That’s where a guy like Trey (Burton) does. It’s amazing. Trey [snaps fingers] boom — got it and go. But that’s not uncommon. It took Deonte (Thompson) a while. He’s doing a good job. Really good week of practice.”
– There is no change in SL Chris Rainey’s status with the team. Rainey was arrested for stalking Sept . 14 and agreed to deferred prosecution on a misdemeanor charge.
– DT/DE Dominique Easley (foot) practiced this week and will travel to Alabama with the team.
