Mississippi State AD to take same role at UF
GAINESVILLE — Florida i s expected to hire Mississippi State’s Scott Stricklin as its new athletics director.
Stricklin’s hiring will be announced at a news conference today. The news was first reported by Dan Wolken of USA Today. Sources told SEC Country that Gators coach Jim McElwain has met with Stricklin, who was on the UF campus Monday finalizing the deal, according to Wolken.
Stricklin, 45, became Mississippi State’s AD in 2010 and has worked in the pro- gram’s athletics department since 2008. He has generated more than $130 million in facility upgrades and has a strong reputation as a fundraiser.
Stricklin previously served as associate AD for media relations at Auburn and Kentucky along with stints at Baylor and Tulane.
Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley is scheduled Florida at Vanderbilt Noon, SEC Network to retire Saturday.
Quarterback update: Austin Appleby is likely starting again at quarterback Saturday at Vanderbilt.
Luke Del Rio, who opened t h e s e a s o n a s F l o r i d a ’s starter, is expected to miss his second straight game with a knee sprain.
“I would say he’d be highly doubtful for t hi s week,” McElwain said Monday, “but I’m still not going to count him out.”
Del Rio was limited in practice last week and dressed for the Tennessee game.
“The reason we had him dress the last game is I really felt he did a great job with Austin on the sideline,” McElwain said. “I thought he was really good for our team, said a few words afterward in the locker room as well that really resonated with some guys.”
Appleby threw for 296 yards on 23 of 39 passing with three touchdowns and one interception in Florida’s 38-28 loss to Tennessee. Despite the Gators blowing a 21-0 lead, Appleby remained confident Monday and wants to remain the starter.
“I truly believe that the better team didn’t win on Saturday,” Appleby said. “But you’ve got to take your hats off to Tennessee; they’re a really good football team, and they won the game.
“What I can control is my preparation this week, my week of practice, the way that I affect my teammates in a positive way. You know, go out there and be the most prepared quarterback in the country and try to help the Gators win a game on Sat- urday. What happens after that is not in my hand at all. But I would like to at least put some pressure on and be the quarterback for this team I think I am. I didn’t come here not to be. But again, that’s a question for Coach Mac, and hopefully my play takes care of itself.”
Injury update: McElwain said defensive tackle Joey Ivie (thumb) is out, right guard Tyler Jordan (eye) will be no contact in practice this week, cornerback Quincy Wilson (leg) will be a Wednesday decision and defensive end Jordan Sherit (leg) is probable for Saturday.