Although Florida quarterback John Brantley has thrown for more than 210 yards per game this season, his wide receivers have been almost nonexistent.
The Gators' two leading pass-catchers are running backs. Chris Rainey has 11 catches and Jeff Demps 8.
"We've got the plays in for (wide receivers), but whenever we go out there we just want to take what the defense gives us and take what's open," Brantley said.
Deonte Thompson leads UF wide receivers in catches (seven) and yards (93). Wideouts combined for only three catches Saturday against Tennessee.
"The receivers have done a fine job," Brantley said. "I trust them no matter what happens and we're going to keep throwing to them."
Florida has averaged 37.7 points per game through three games by exploiting one-on-one matchups underneath as teams drop into a zone to protect against the deep threat.
"We'd love to be throwing nine routes every snap if we could and complete every one of them," coach Will Muschamp said. "We'd all be really happy, and then we'd say, 'Why aren't we getting the ball to Rainey?'"
- Junior cornerback Jeremy Brown likely will be out for "a couple weeks" as he continues to recover from a knee injury, Muschamp said. Saturday was the third consecutive game he's missed.
Muschamp has said that Brown's ability to run straight has been up to par, but his lateral movement and change of direction have been limited by the ailment. Muschamp added that surgery will not be required.
"Very frustrated for Jeremy," Muschamp said. "He is a great young man and I'm just hurt for him."
- Sophomore tight end Jordan Reed is questionable for Saturday's game against Kentucky as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. He did not play against Tennessee.
- Freshman guard Trip Thurman had shoulder surgery Monday morning and will miss the remainder of the season.
- Sophomore linebacker Dee Finley will return this week after serving a one-game suspension. Finley was arrested last Monday on charges of driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest with violence, a third-degree felony. That charge was reduced to a misdemeanor last Tuesday.
