Gator Clause

Could Alabama beat the worst NFL team? Will Muschamp says no chance

While which team is entitled to the dubious distinction of the NFL's worst is up for debate, the chance that it would lose to Alabama is not, according to Florida coach Will Muschamp.

Muschamp was asked about South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier's comments from Tuesday about Alabama being favored in a game against one of the lowly NFL teams that are struggling right now, such as the Kansas City Chiefs or Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here's what Spurrier had to say Wednesday on "The Dan Patrick Show."

"Alabama, gosh, they look like they could beat a couple of those NFL teams that I've watched on Sundays," Spurrier said. "I think a lot of the oddsmakers out there that usually know what's going on, I'd guess Alabama would be favored by a little bit."

Muschamp was having none of it. He laughed at the notion when asked Thursday.

"I would have a hard time seeing that," Muschamp said.

Muschamp, like Spurrier, of course, has experience at the next level. But unlike Spurrier, Muschamp said he learned that there is a distinct difference between college and the pros.

"That maturity of those guys, there are full-grown men playing in that league," Muschamp said. "The speed of the game when I left LSU to go to the Miami Dolphins was more than noticeable on the field. It's a grown man's league."

On his Twitter account Wednesday, Todd Fuhrman, a former oddsmaker for Caeser's Palace in Las Vegas, also disagreed with Spurrier's take.

"Despite Spurrier's comments, he's not a linesmaker and Bama would be a 3 TD dog at MINIMUM to even the worst team in the NFL," Fuhrman tweeted.

And yes, that's counting that team up in Jacksonville.

"The Jaguars," Muschamp said, "are going to be fine."

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Muschamp updates situation with injured DB Riggs, redshirt likely

A medical redshirt is likely for defensive back Cody Riggs, coach Will Muschamp said Thursday.

Muschamp sat down Tuesday with Riggs to discuss the likelihood of taking a medical redshirt this season. After practicing Monday and Tuesday of last week, it became clear that the aftereffects from the injury were still an issue although Muschamp said the team's medical staff feels like the broken foot he suffered against Texas A&M has healed properly.

“He’s come back, I guess last week and practiced Monday a little bit, but then went Tuesday and tried to go on it," Muschamp said. "It's just one of those deal when you’re dealing with a foot."

Vanderbilt wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) catches a 6-yard touchdown pass as he is defended by Florida cornerback Cody Riggs (31) in November 2010. (AP Photo)

"He’s not as full speed as he has been, let’s just say that. He’s not playing as fast as he’s capable of playing. I’m not going to put a player out there that’s not going to play as well as he can play. It hasn’t healed as fast as maybe we thought. We’ve got to just kind of continue to evaluate the situation."

Muschamp said he has spoken to Riggs' family about the decision to redshirt, but added that he "can't make any promises for the simple reason of injury."

If Florida were to suffer another injury in the secondary, it's possible Riggs' chance at a redshirt this season would be null and he would return to the lineup. As of now, the depth is sufficient, but that could change, and Muschamp said that is the main reason for any uncertainty in the situation.

"Right now, probably would apply for a medical (redshirt) based on the time in the season left," Muschamp said. "We still have a lot of the games to go. ... We’ve made no 100% decision yet at all. That’s probably where we’re heading."

Riggs, a Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas alum, started 10 games at cornerback last season and one at safety this season before the injury.

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