Florida’s defense may be ranked 20th in the country, but it’s tough to notice that early on in games.
In Southeastern Conference play this season, opponents have been outscoring the Gators 59-35 in the first quarter.
In the last three games alone, Florida has given up 24 points while scoring just seven of its own.
"Teams are executing against us, too," defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin said. "Give them credit. Guys have bounced back in each one of those and really tie those down and made some adjustments on the side and they played well on the side of it. I’d like for us to start faster and not give up that quick seven."
Muschamp still wants to coach: While he won’t be returning to Florida next season, Will Muschamp does not want his coaching career to end following the 2014 season.
"I’d like to obviously be working next year," Muschamp said on Wednesday’s SEC’s coaches teleconference. "But certainly after the FSU game Carol and I will take a little time and sit down and see what our next step is. I’m looking forward to that next step, but what that will be I have no idea."
Muschamp said he’ll start handling the specifics about his life beyond the Gators in two weeks, following the Florida-Florida State game on Nov. 29.
"I haven’t put any thought into that as far as where, what, when and how, I don’t know all those things. Certainly right now my focus is on this team and getting us ready for these next two games."
McGee undecided: Redshirt senior tight end Jake McGee didn’t even play two quarters of football in his debut at Florida before his season came to an end.
McGee, who transferred from Virginia over the summer, suffered a fractured fibula and tibia during Florida’s 65-0 win against Eastern Michigan on Sept. 6.
On Wednesday, Muschamp said McGee hasn’t decided if he wants to seek a sixth year of college football eligibility.
"I told him that I was going to contact some general managers and some guys that make the decisions in the National Football League and give him some guidance on what is the best thing," Muschamp said.
McNeely honored: Redshirt senior Mike McNeely — who is known most for returning a fake field goal 21-yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of Florida’s 38-20 win against Georgia — will be recognized with a National Football Foundation Legacy Award, the foundation announced Wednesday.
"Mike is somebody who has taken full advantage of every opportunity that has been given to him," NFF Chairman Archie Manning said in a release, "and we hope that his accomplishments will inspire the next generation."
Injury update: Safeties Keanu Neal (high ankle) and Duke Dawson (turf toe) should play in Florida’s home finale against Eastern Kentucky, Muschamp said Wednesday.
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
Florida defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) hurries Vanderbilt quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) during Gators' 34-10 win against Commodores on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.
