Chomping at Bits: Gators' defense hopes to be one of best in UF history

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Florida's defense is striving to be the best in the nation, and one of the best in school history: While these Gators have some big shoes to fill to meet that goal, they are on their way and will have their opportunities. Comparisons to the Gators' 2012 defensive unit are arising as both units allowed an average of 14.5 points per game, were/are ranked fifth nationally in yards allowed per game, and gave up an average of 280ish yards per game. However, the 2015 defense still has at least four games left to play and those will help determine its place in Florida Gator defensive history. Linebacker Antonio Morrison, a freshman in 2012, notes the closeness of the 2015 unit compared to the 2012 group.  (Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel; Graham Hack, Florida Times Union; Jordan McPherson, Independent Florida Alligator)

Antonio Morrison and Jarrad Davis bonded off the field in the offseason, while both were rehabbing injuries: The duo, described here as having "eccentric personalities" are the "heartbeat of the defense". (Anthony Chiang, SEC Country)

Gators' basketball prepares to face Saint Joseph's in Mohegan Sun Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday: Florida will then play either Old Dominion or Purdue on Sunday. (Alex Maminakis, Independent Florida Alligator)

Why isn't Florida being talked about as a playoff contender?: The short answer is that no one expects the Gators to beat Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. But if they did, they would certainly have the resume for inclusion in the playoff. (Alex Scarborough, ESPN)

Vernon Hargreaves receives keepsake bracelet in honor of Master Sgt. Pablo Ruiz: Ruiz died in a non-combat incident during his deployment to Afghanistan in May. It is a mystery who sent Hargreaves the bracelet honoring Ruiz, who was a lifelong Gator fan, and also who the individual in fatigues was who recently approached Hargreaves after a team meal to inquire if he had received the bracelet. (Scott Carter, GatorZone)

Enhanced security for Saturday's game: Additional security teams will be posted inside and outside the stadium. The prohibited items list will be strictly enforced during bag checks and at all entrances. (GatorZone)

Anyone going to the game this weekend? Or otherwise have anything fun planned for it? I will be happy for the Noon-vember game streak to end after this week.

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