Gators Look To Rebound Against Kats After Sickly Performance Last Week

Multiple sources have reported that University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, cornerback Joe Haden and safety Major Wright, traveled separately from the rest of the team after displaying symptoms of illness.

Although initally described as the flu, the players arrived in Lexington, Ky., and are expected to play.

UF coach Urban Meyer said earlier this week, his team had battled 35 cases of the flu over the past four weeks.

That's the last news UF fans want to hear after escaping with a 10-point win against Tennessee last Saturday. The Gators, who some were saying may drop 100, looked sloppy and only put up 23 points in a 23-13 win.

Arguably Tebow kept the team in that game. While he didn't throw for a touchdown for the first time in 30 games, he did rush for one and the defense was clutch with two interceptions against UT quarterback Jonathan Crompton.

Meyer said earlier in the week that running back Jeff Demps, tight end Aaron Hernandez, and defensive end Jermaine Cunningham played with the flu last week against Tennessee.

Demps finished with 31 yards rushing on four carries; Hernandez led the receiving corps with four receptions for 26 yards and Cunningham finished with one tackle.

Also keep an eye on Brandon Spikes. The senior All-American linebacker left the game against the Vols early because of Achilles tendinitis. Should that keep him off the field against Kentucky, look for senior Ryan Stamper to carry the load.

As he did last weekend.

Stamper finished with a game-high 12 tackles, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a sack.

Gator fans will be eager to see how their team responds after a less-than-stellar game. Despite the win, it was a bit of a disappointment and Kentucky may be the pinata to bash to regain the offensive swagger that was missing against Tennessee.

The Gators will also need to put up big numbers to quell the national talk about Miami. It's not likely that UF will fall down the rankings if it keeps winning, but if the Gators keep pulling out 10-point wins against non-ranked opponents while Miami beats ranked opponent week after week (Virginia Tech marks the third ranked opponent in a row to open the season, and the 'Canes host Oklahoma next Saturday).

Miami, behind the masterful play of quarterback Jacory Harris, vaulted back into the national rankings after beating No. 14 Georgia Tech 33-17.

This is the first road trip of the season for the Gators, who played their first three games (3-0) of the season at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Last season, the Gators hosted the Wildcats for homecoming weekend in Gainesville, Fla., and lit them up en route to a 63-5 win.