U-M's NEXT OPPONENT: Florida coach warns team to stay out of trouble
Florida will have light practice today then break for the holidays. The Gators will meet Wednesday in Orlando to start preparation for the Capital One Bowl.
Florida coach Urban Meyer planned to talk to the team before they take off.
"The first thing is you always worry about the travel home," Meyer. "You read about something in the paper every year, so that's the first thing. And then obviously the hope is to spend time with their families and that's it. If they do that, all is good.''
Meyer said after practice Thursday that there are no academic or discipline issues he'll have to deal with in Orlando. Receiver Riley Cooper, who has a broken knuckle, won't play in the bowl. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow's broken right hand has healed and he might not have to wear a brace against Michigan.
Offensive lineman Jim Tartt is still trying to come back from mono. He was supposed to have tests late Thursday.
"I'm just worried, we've got to get him in shape,'' Meyer said. "I've been assured that he's going to be in shape. He's had mono the last two weeks of the season and he's just finishing up and getting through it.''
Florida assistant Doc Holliday remains a leading candidate for the West Virginia job. Meyer said he has a list of possible replacements.
"Over the years you try to keep a file and if something should happen you like to get the best possible guy available,'' he said.
Meyer compiles his list off opponents he's coached against and others he's come across.
"A big part of it is recruiting and who I think recruits the South and I've seen him working and grinding,'' he said. "That's actually how I put my staff together, I mean, (Florida line coach) Steve Addazio is one of the hardest recruiting guys I've ever been around, same with (co-defensive coordinator) Greg Mattison, same with (co-defensive coordinator Charlie) Strong when we were together at Notre Dame. So that's why I want them on our staff. So that's the way it's done.''
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