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It is Friday and that means we have nearly completed another week of this tumultuous summer of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Stepping deeper into September, we inch closer and closer to the beginning of the Southeastern Conference’s 10-game schedule, with the Gators facing off with the Ole Miss Rebels on Sept. 26.
While the SEC waits until the end of the month to start its gridiron action, college football’s official opening weekend is tomorrow. Postponements have left the Week 1 slate fairly sparse, with no teams ranked in the preseason Amway Coaches Poll in action.
However, things got started a little early last night, as Southern Miss lost the first Football Bowl Subdivision game of the 2020 season, falling to South Alabama 32-21. The eyes of the college football world were on Southern Miss on Thursday night, and Southern Miss didn’t live up to the situation.
Finally, Iowa athletic director Gary Barta said Thursday he’s gaining optimism that the Big Ten Conference can safely resume athletic competition before the new year, but said there would need to be a “miracle” in order to start a football season next month.
Around the Swamp
- Florida Gators guard Scottie Lewis speaks out on social justice: Speaking to the media Tuesday, Lewis elaborated on his positions and the goals of his activism.
- Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jamie Newman to opt out of 2020 season: The race for the 2020 SEC football conference title just got a little bit more interesting, as Georgia quarterback and presumed starter Jamie Newman announced that he will opt out of the 2020 season to focus on the 2021 NFL Draft.
- Gators head coach Dan Mullen named to Dodd Trophy preseason watch list: The Bobby Dodd Trophy is given annually to the nation’s top coach, and Mullen was one of 13 coaches nominated for this year’s preseason watch list.
- Kyle Trask, receivers shoulder big burden for Florida Gators in 2020: Here is what Zach Goodall, publisher of Allgators, had to ask about the Gators this fall.
- Trio of Gators make preseason college football All-Who’s Actually Playing Team: Junior tight end Kyle Pitts, sophomore defensive back Kaiir Elam and junior placekicker Evan McPherson all made the publication’s second team at their respective positions.
- Florida Gators announce attendance policies for 2020 fall football: Included in the announcement is the banning of tailgating on campus as well as plans for reduced fan capacity ahead of the Gators’ home opener against South Carolina scheduled for Oct. 3.
- Florida Gators TE Kyle Pitts makes Mel Kiper Jr.’s Preseason Big Board: The lone Florida Gator to make the list, junior tight end Kyle Pitts, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania product, slotted in at No. 22.
It’s great to be a Florida Gator!
It’s #CollegeColorsDay! Thanks for repping your 🔶 and 🔷. Reply and show us what you’re wearing. #GoGators pic.twitter.com/chGgfU9wjw
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) September 4, 2020
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