Florida Notes: Meyer Wants Gators to Improve on Defense

Florida coach Urban Meyer reflected on his team's progress at the midpoint of the 2007 season.

In preparing for the showdown with No. 8 Kentucky, Meyer said he anticipated there would be some struggles after the Gators lost nine starters on defense from a National Championship team.

Still, Meyer said he would like to see more progress on defense in the second half of the season.

"I was hoping that we would be further along in some positions on defense," Meyer said. "I really did. But if you're saying I didn't expect it, no. I've done this thing a long time and I saw it coming. It's not like we go through off-season programs, spring practice, not noticing those things. I thought we'd be a little better."

Guilford's Funeral:

Michael Guilford, a sophomore walk-on defensive back and scout team quarterback, died Friday morning in a motorcycle accident in Gainesville.

Meyer and about ten Florida players attended Guilford's funeral Tuesday morning in Blounstown. Meyer did not disclose the names of the players who traveled with him.

"That's private stuff," he said.

Meyer said Florida intends to honor Guilford on Saturday at the game against Kentucky.

"Our players are going to do something, I think a sticker on the helmet," Meyer said. "We're going to do more down the road."

Other Notes:

Florida held a late practice that ended at 8:30 p.m., giving players and coaches time to return from Guilford's funeral. Meyer described the practice as exceptional.

"Our premier players, primos, which everyone has a few of those, they kind of pulled the string," Meyer said. "If they pull the string, other ones follow. If they have a bad day, if a guy doesn't work really hard then they let go of the string."