College Football
Randy Shannon discusses taking over for Jim McElwain, prepping for Mizzou
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It’s been a wild week in Gainesville, this time last week, Jim McElwain was firmly entrenched as Florida’s head coach. Now former Miami coach Randy Shannon is tasked with leading the Gators into a road SEC game at Mizzou as an underdog.
Shannon was among the first coaches to speak during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference.
Here’s a summary of what the interim Florida coach had to say:
- Opening statement: “The guys this week have been doing a tremendous job, having fun in practice. Coach Odom has done a great job of scoring points lately… The DL has been getting to the QB, they lead the conference in sacks.”
- Thoughts on taking over the job? “Approach is just going out there and representing Florida… The only thing that matters is Missouri and getting ready for that game.”
- Why did you turn over the defensive to another coach? “Managing a team on a short period of time is tough.”
- Any QB update? “No, not at all. We will probably make a decision Thursday afternoon. The competition brings out the best out of those guys… Most games are under big pressure so all the expectations.”
- Is the pressure in the SEC different? “Yes but that’s why we get in this business. The stadiums are always packed, it’s tremendous… Going up against the best players, the best coaches… It’s fun.”
- Tyrie Cleveland’s status? “He did not miss any of practice yesterday… We will throw him some deep balls this week.”
- Thoughts on going against Mizzou’s WRs: “They have a bunch of veterans back there, we have a bunch of young guys. It will be a challenge… We have to mix things up. Give them different looks.”
- Thoughts on Drew Lock? “He’s making all the throws and not turning the ball over… He’s made a tremendous jump this year.”
- First priority when you were named coach? “First priority was to the university… You have to have high expectations of yourself and the staff. There’s a reason you came to Florida, we have to make a stand here (vs. Mizzou).”
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
