Notebook: Harvin, Spikes expected to play

Junior receiver Percy Harvin and junior linebacker Brandon Spikes both had better practices Thursday then they did on Wednesday and are set to play Saturday, Florida coach Urban Meyer said Thursday.

Spikes (foot) is expected to start, but with all the different offensive sets, Meyer was unsure if Harvin (heel) would, but that he'll play early.

Meanwhile, sophomore safety Major Wright walked off the practice field with a brace on his right knee, but Meyer said it was for "preventative" reasons.

In the house

With all the family and friends expected this weekend for No. 5 Florida's showdown with unranked Miami, Meyer can't wait to get his team to himself to control the hype surrounding the game.

"That's why I like getting them away," Meyer said after Thursday's practice. "What happens is, especially at a place like Florida, they are gonna be rolling in here now — the text messaging, the internet, the people, the families. God bless them, I can't wait to get them in the hotel because then they're mine. We gotta control them until 8 o'clock on Saturday."

Some players have downplayed the state of the UF-UM rivalry this week, while others (Matt Patchan and Louis Murphy) weren't allowed to speak with the media at all.

With such a mellow demeanor from most of his players, Meyer hasn't had to worry about any more trash talk getting in the way of the Gators' focus.

Whether or not the meeting between UF and UM is still considered a rivalry, isn't what Meyer is worrying about. His concern is that he's facing a team that could match UF step for step in the speed department.

"I think they probably got us," Meyer said of Miami's team speed. "We'll find out after the game."

The 'Canes have speed across the board, but it's the running game that could really give the Gators problems. UF gave up only 60 yards against Hawaii, but the talent from down south will be much harder to contain.

UM's one-two punch of Javarris James and Graig Cooper wasn't spectacular in the 52-7 drubbing of Charleston Southern a week ago, but they combined for 95 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

"It's the best part of their team right now," Meyer said of UM's running game. "(UM has) a veteran offensive line and the tight ends are really good players too. The running back is No. 1 — the two of them — on offense."

Meyer praises Marve

UM redshirt freshman quarterback Robert Marve has yet to take a snap in his college career, but he's already gotten the attention of UF's head coach.

Meyer, who recruited Marve heavily while he was in high school, said Marve has the tools to be a talented college quarterback and could give UF some trouble Saturday.

"When you evaluate a quarterback, it's not velocity," Meyer said. "It's not size. It's not speed. It's the ‘it' factor. It's the Brett Favre. It's the Joe Montana. It's the Tim Tebow.

"It's that guy that has a little something to him that finds a way to win a game and (is) a competitor and that's what he is."