Countless factors have figured into who can escape the LSU-Florida matchup with a victory during recent years. This season, the injury bug may be the biggest concern for both teams.LSU seems to be reasonably healthy following a bye week. Senior linebacker Darry Beckwith and defensive tackles Charles Alexander and Ricky Jean-Francois are all expected to play. Beckwith went down during the North Texas game with a leg injury and has been out since. Alexander and Jean-Francois both suffered injuries against Mississippi State and were able to use the bye week to heal.”We’ve had a good open week and feel like our guys are rounding into health,” said LSU coach Les Miles. But the Gators have a plethora of injuries to both starters and key reserves.Florida coach Urban Meyer said injuries are a big factor for his team, especially as the Gators chomp into the meat of their schedule.”The positive is some guys are getting healthy,” Meyer said. “In this conference, it is a survival. The ability to stay healthy is key.” Florida will likely be without running back Emmanuel Moody, offensive guard Jim Tartt and linebacker Dustin Doe. Linebacker Ryan Stamper, Doe’s backup, is listed as probable, but he hasn’t played in Florida’s last two games. Defensive back Will Hill, running back Kestahn Moore and offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert are all listed as probable.Playmaker and leading receiver Percy Harvin is nicked up after injuring his ankle against Arkansas, but Meyer expects the junior to play. Harvin ranks No. 2 on the team in total yards.
With Jean-Francois’s highly publicized comments about hurting Tim Tebow combined with the injuries on Florida’s offensive line, Meyer may have to keep Tebow passing instead of running at the LSU defensive line. Meyer appears to be protecting Tebow a little more than last year decreasing the amount of Tebow run plays. In his Heisman season, Tebow ran about 16 times per game compared to 12 carries per game this season. He is averaging 31.4 yards rushing per game as opposed to 68.8 rushing yards per game last season.”I wouldn’t say it’s being conscious of Tebow,” Meyer said.
 
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Contact Tyler Harvey at [email protected]