Chomping at Bits: Florida punter Johnny Townsend named Ray Guy Award candidate

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Johnny Townsend named candidate for Ray Guy Award: Florida’s redshirt senior punter currently leads the conference and nation at 49.54 yards per punt. He has already racked up 2,031 yards on 41 punts this season, including 20 punts of over 50 yards. If Townsend’s punting average remains the same or improves, it would set the all-time program record, surpassing last season’s 47.9 yards per punt. (Katie Callahan, Florida Gators)

On Florida’s run game after Malik Davis: More will be expected of Mark Thompson, who hasn’t quite lived up to the hype that he arrived with. (Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun)

Randy Shannon may name QB starter today or tomorrow: Shannon said he wouldn’t wait until Saturday to announce the Gators’ starting signal caller for the Missouri game (he actually is quoted as telling the media, “I won’t do that to you guys,”) and noted that he’d make a decision Wednesday or Thursday. (Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun)

Shannon also elaborated on his opening the QB competition back up: Malik Zaire and Feleipe Franks have been rotating in practice. (Ryan Young, SEC Country)

The case for Scott Frost: Why UCF’s head coach should be one of Florida’s first calls. (Gene Frenette, Florida Times Union)

Analyzing Scott Stricklin’s history of hiring head coaches: Florida’s athletic director wasn’t the AD at Mississippi State when Dan Mullen was hired, but he was in a support role in Starkville and had some involvement in the process. Stricklin’s legacy will be impacted by this hire. (Ryan Young, SEC Country)

Film review: The Gators’ defense struggled mightily against Georgia. (David Wunderlich, Gator Country)

Breaking down Florida’s bowl eligibility chances: Believe it or not, the season’s not over. (Jordan McPherson, SEC Country)

Florida wide receiver recruiting: With the coaching changes, it’s “open season” on four-star Gator commits Jacob Copeland and Ja’Marr Chase. (Zach Abolverdi, SEC Country)

Gator soccer advances to SEC tournament semifinal: No. 17 Florida defeated Auburn, 1-0, yesterday afternoon to advance to face No. 11 Texas A&M tomorrow. (Mary Howard, Florida Gators)

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