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Gators face challenge in Alabama offensive line

 
‘‘We’re physical and we’re going to bring it to them just like they’re going to bring it to us,” Florida DL Dante Fowler says.
‘‘We’re physical and we’re going to bring it to them just like they’re going to bring it to us,” Florida DL Dante Fowler says.
Published Sept. 17, 2014

GAINESVILLE — The Alabama offense is on a record-setting pace with 1,705 yards in the first three games, an average of 568.3, which is a school record. The Crimson Tide has gone three and out on offense only twice in 32 possessions.

While those opponents — West Virginia, Florida Atlantic and Southern Miss — are a combined 4-5 the Gators, who visit Alabama on Saturday, said there's no denying that facing the Tide's extremely physical offensive line will be a huge challenge. And the outcome may rest on just who's tougher.

"Just be physical, be a physical team," junior DL Dante Fowler said. "I know that's what we put on to be as a front seven. We're physical and we're going to bring it to them just like they're going to bring it to us."

VALUABLE RESOURCE: Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper said he's taking advantage of the fact that coach Will Muschamp is a former assistant of Alabama coach Nick Saban. "Obviously that's helpful to have those conversations to maybe clarify some things as we start watching film, saying, 'Okay, why are they doing this? What's going on here?' " Roper said. "So, you know obviously that is an advantage."

USF: WR Davis out

TAMPA — USF will be without top WR Andre Davis for Friday night's American Athletic Conference opener against UConn and, possibly, for the foreseeable future, coach Willie Taggart said Tuesday.

The senior, a Jefferson High product, has missed the past two games after injuring his sternum while making a diving catch in the opener Aug. 30.

"It's going to take some time to get him right," Taggart said. "We'll have to go with the (other receiving options) we have and keep going. … We want Andre to come back when he's 100 percent healthy. That's the only way he's going to help our football team and he's not 100 percent right now."

OL Thor Jozwiak (shoulder, turf toe) should return against the Huskies. The junior was in full pads at practice.

GET PHYSICAL: After just 159 yards and a five-year worst eight first downs in Saturday's 49-17 loss to N.C. State, Taggart said: "We've got to develop a physical, tough attitude on that side of the ball. That's football. Football is a game where you can be physical without going to jail and hit someone without going to jail. And I want guys to hit people and … let out all of those emotions. We've got to do that."

Jeff Odom, Times correspondent

UM: QB Olsen leaves

MIAMI — Kevin Olsen is no longer a student at the university. A day after the backup quarterback was arrested and charged with possessing a stolen/fictitious driver's license and driving under the influence, the university announced he was no longer there. "Kevin Olsen is no longer a student at the University of Miami," UM released in a written statement. "We wish him the very best in the future." Olsen, 19, was a redshirt freshman who never got into a football game at Miami. He was suspended the first two games of this season, and dressed in uniform for the first time this season Saturday against Arkansas State. He is from Wayne, N.J., and was a four-star recruit when he arrived at UM in the summer of 2013.

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