Gators focusing on strong finishes

GAINESVILLE — UF interim coach said the Gators have found motivation beyond making a bowl game.

“At this point, guys are not thinking about bowls or we cannot go to the bowl,” Shannon said. “The only thing they’re thinking about is coming back to the Swamp, two home games that they can go and play for their fans and friends and their family.”

UF (3-6) hosts UAB at 4 p.m. Saturday and Florida State at noon on Nov. 25.

Sophomore linebacker to send the seniors out the right way.

“We want to get them two more wins in the Swamp,” he said. “The last one is probably going to mean the most to them playing against their rival at home, but we can’t look forward to that. We have to focus on UAB.”

who started the past two games, sat out Tuesday with a knee injury. Shannon said Zaire will not be able to play if he has to sit out today, leaving redshirt freshman as UF’s only option.

“He’s got to practice, that’s just the bottom line,” Shannon said of Zaire. “You can’t have a guy go in and say he’s ready Thursday — he’s not ready to go.”

Freshman receiver took snaps Tuesday. Toney was a high school quarterback and played there last spring, but he moved to receiver in August.

Last week, receiver also a high school quarterback, took snaps during practice.

UF vs. UAB, Saturday, 4 p.m., SEC Network

Malik Zaire, Next game: David Reese Feleipe Franks Kadarius Toney Dre Massey, Randy Shannon

said players want