Notebook: Gators will get early start at Ole Miss

Meyer is not taking any chances on his team being stuck in traffic on its way to its first road game of the season.

The team will promptly rise at 6:30 a.m. CST Saturday at its hotel to begin its preparation for the University of Mississippi.

With UF finally traveling away from The Swamp, Meyer had concerns at the beginning of the week about taking such a young team (48 players that have seen game action are either freshman or sophomores) on the road after an emotional 59-20 win over Tennessee. Mostly, he was concerned about the play of the defense. After Thursday's practice, it looks as though he is getting more comfortable with that defense traveling to Oxford.

"I believe in our ability, but the experience (is a) factor," Meyer said. "Now we're heading across another bridge and that's on the road. I like our ability on defense."

Meyer might be more confident in the way he expects his team to play Saturday, but there are still moments where he has to remember that this team is still pretty immature.

"I have to remind (Chris) Rainey to bring a toothbrush," he said. "We're going on the road (and) I asked him if he had a gym bag. I didn't wait for an answer. Stan Drayton is in charge to make sure he packs his stuff tonight."

Despite the growing pains that this team will go through on its first road trip, Meyer said he was pleased with how the team practiced this week and he and his staff will use today to discuss traveling and homesickness.

"It's going to be an unusual setting," he said. "I like playing in this stadium. I'm sure they do, too."

Riley giving it his all

During Meyer's post-practice interview Thursday he went off topic to compliment sophomore wide receiver Riley Cooper because a play he made on special teams last Saturday.

"That was the kickoff return by their guy, (Cooper) pulled him down and (LaMarcus) Coker is fast," Meyer said. "He pulls him down and three plays later we get an interception."

Meyer said Riley ran 135 yards in 13 seconds on the play and that it was not only a key play in UF's victory, but that it was one of the best plays he's seen this season.

Injured players return

Freshman offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey, who sustained a low ankle sprain against the Vols, practiced Thursday and is expected to practice today, Meyer said.

Fifth-year senior wide receiver Andre Caldwell did not practice, but did spend time running.

"Bubba ran today, looked terrific," Meyer said. "(He's) not going to play this week. Today he looks all right to me, he ran fast."

Dunlap moving inside

To generate more pressure on Ole Miss' quarterbacks, freshman defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who has played as a reserve at defensive end, will see more action inside Saturday, Meyer said.

"He'll play some in there," he said. "It will be more passing situations. We're going to move him around. He's doing a very good job."

Robbie Andreu can be reached at 352-374-5022 or andreur@gvillesun.com.