Chomping of Bits: Florida preparing for notable opener with Michigan

Chomping at Bits comes stocked with the best Florida Gators links and news we can find, and some other stuff. Got a link you think we should check out? Email us at AlligatorArmy@gmail.com, subject line CAB, or find us on Twitter at @AlligatorArmy or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AlligatorArmy.

Sense of urgency surrounds Gators’ opener: There is no easing into the schedule for the Gators this year, as Florida opens with Michigan at AT&T Stadium in Texas. (Scott Carter, Florida Gators)

Profile of Martez Ivey: Jim McElwain is optimistic that his offensive line, with the help of Ivey, can become a strength this season. (Bruce Feldman, Sports Illustrated)

Five big upcoming visitors: A list of blue chip recruits that are expected to visit Florida soon. (Zach Abolverdi, SEC Country)

Reviewing Florida’s non-conference basketball schedule: Eight of the Gators’ 13 non-con games are at home. The full non-conference schedule was released yesterday. (Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun; Philip Heilman, Florida Times Union)

Chris Solinsky joins Gators’ track and field and cross country staff: Solinsky is the former American record holder and first non-African to break 27 minutes in the 10,000 meters. He comes to Florida from William & Mary, after helping them win five CAA Cross Country team titles. (Zach Dirlam, Florida Gators)

The rest of the SEC is still chasing Alabama: Alabama has won four national championships in the last eight years and is on a 17-game SEC winning streak (24 wins in 25 games) in which the Tide’s average margin of victory is three touchdowns (20.1 points). (Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun)

Gators add Mark Leon to men’s golf staff: Leon joins the Gators as an assistant after serving as an assistant coach at Penn State since 2011. (Andrew Kovar, Florida Gators)

Will Muschamp discusses Florida facilities: He notes that the Gators’ facilities had become an issue during his tenure, and that he and then athletic director Jeremy Foley had a plan to enhance them, including adding an indoor practice facility. (Robbie Andreu, Gainesville Sun)

More on Muschamp at South Carolina: The expectations at Florida and South Carolina are a bit different. (Pat Dooley, Gainesville Sun)

Watching the watch lists: Yes, there are still watch lists being generated. Martez Ivey was one of 81 players on the Outland Trophy watch list, and Duke Dawson and Jabari Zuniga took two of the 103 spots on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. (Katie Callahan, Florida Gators; Ryan Young, SEC Country)

The comments are yours.