'Ready to adjust': Florida Football has multiple plans in place as Hurricane Milton moves in
The Florida football program has multiple plans in place this week for schedule disruptions or changes with Hurricane Milton bearing down on the state as a Category 4 storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
Milton is scheduled to make landfall on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday night. The University of Florida has already cancel classed and closed campus Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of the storm.
Florida football coach Billy Napier said during his press conference on Monday that the Gators have a “Plan A, Plan B and Plan C” ready as the week goes on.
‘We will be fine and we are ready to adjust’
“We have had several discussions yesterday and today,” Napier said. “I think ultimately what we know is that we anticipate (Monday) and (Tuesday) being traditional and then we are ready to adapt Wednesday and Thursday.”
Florida (3-2, 1-1 SEC) is scheduled to play at No. 8 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1) on Saturday night (7 Eastern Time, ESPN) at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Teams typically travel for road games on Friday afternoons.
“Look, I think one thing I have learned — I have lived in some places that deal with this type of weather consistently — is that you play it six or 12 hours at a time,” Napier said. “You are ready. You build out Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. We did that (on Sunday).
“Got to have a good ops crew. We have a great one. The UAA (University Athletics Association) staff to go along with Josh Thompson. I think we have really good people there. We will be fine and we are ready to adjust.”
Top 10
- 1New
Georgia arrest
Bulldogs WR Colbie Young arrested on assault charges
- 2Trending
Alabama DL shuts it down
Jehiem Oatis to redshirt, plans to portal
- 3
True Freshman All-Americans
Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams headline On3's Midseason True Freshman All-American Team
- 4Hot
Malachi Moore apology
Alabama DB apologizes for actions vs. Vanderbilt
- 5
Clark Lea responds to Nick Saban
'It does piss me off'
Florida has won two straight games after 1-2 start
Florida has won back-to-back games over the last three weeks, winning 45-28 at Mississippi State on September 21 and beating UCF 24-13 Saturday night in Gainesville. The Gators, who started 1-2 with home losses to Miami and Texas A&M, had a bye week on September 28.
Tennessee, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from the 19-14 upset loss Saturday night at Arkansas.
“Going to play in Knoxville against a team that in my opinion has a ton of capability and certainly has been impressive so far this year,” Napier said. “I know they struggled a little bit last week, but in our league right now, heck, each week is like an NFL game. It’s coming down to the last seconds.”
Napier is 1-1 against the Vols, losing 38-33 in Knoxville in 2022 and winning 29-16 last season in Gainesville.
“We’ve got respect for Tennessee,” Napier said. “Obviously this is a rivalry game, one that has a ton of history and tradition. I grew up watching this game … we know the importance and certainly our players will be focused and excited about preparing.”
