The No. 8-ranked Florida Gators will be without defensive tackle Leon Orr and could be missing starting linebacker Lerentee McCray and tackle Xavier Nixon Saturday when the Gators host the Missouri Tigers, head coach Will Muschamp said Thursday. Orr is one of several Florida players (including Matt Elam) battling the flu, while McCray is battling an ankle injury.
Florida vs. Missouri: Leon Orr out, Lerentee McCray questionable
Gators’ head coach Will Muschamp announced Thursday that DT Leon Orr will be out Saturday, while starters Lerentee McCray and Xavier Nixon could also miss the game against Mizzou.
Orr will be missing his first game this season. In eight games, the redshirt sophomore has recorded 13 tackles, 4.5 of them for a loss, in a backup role to starter Omar Hunter. The injury diminishes the depth of Florida's defensive line, which is also dealing with a banged-up Sharrif Floyd, a junior defensive tackle.
Meanwhile, McCray has collected 18 tackles, two sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery in eight games this season. If he misses the game, freshman Dante Fowler Jr. could make his first collegiate start, as he's listed next on the depth chart. Fowler is one of three true freshmen that have seen the field in all eight of Florida's games.
The pair of defensive losses may not be a huge disadvantage for Florida, which faces a Missouri offense that is ranked 102nd overall in passing yards per game (189.1) and 94th in rushing yards (128.3). The Tigers also average just 24.4 points per game.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for Noon ET on ESPN2.
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