Florida's Harvin questionable

Florida's Percy Harvin made one comeback in September. Now, he needs to make another one.

And he has got only a few days to do it.

Florida coach Urban Meyer said his star wide receiver/running back is "questionable" for Saturday's SEC championship game because of an ankle injury Harvin suffered against Florida State on Saturday.

"It's going to be day-to-day," Meyer said on Sunday's teleconference.

The second-ranked Gators (11-1) will play No. 1-ranked Alabama (12-0) Saturday in Atlanta's Georgia Dome to decide the SEC championship. The winner also is expected to earn a berth in the national championship game in January.

Harvin's physical status was questionable in preseason, too, following off-season heel surgery. He didn't play in the season opener against Hawaii.

Since then, he has been one of the most dynamic players in college football - just as was last year.

Harvin has scored 16 touchdowns, rushed for 538 yards while averaging 8.8 yards per carry, and averaged 17 yards on 35 pass receptions.

"We've had to play through it before (with Harvin injured)," Meyer said. "We've thought about it. We have a plan.

"I just hope he's ready."

If Harvin can't play, Jeffrey Demps, Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody will have to carry the running load. All three are averaging better than 7 yards per carry.

Rainey, a redshirt freshman, leads the Gators with 654 yards rushing. Demps, a true freshman, has rushed for 529 yards and averaged 9.6 yards per carry. Moody, who was slowed by an ankle injury earlier this season, has contributed 394 yards to the SEC's No. 1 rushing offense.

Because of Florida's depth at running back, the Gators might have more difficulty replacing Harvin as a receiver.

Star punt returner Brandon James has played Harvin's inside receiver position. Meyer also said he could move Louis Murphy inside and add wide receiver Carl Moore to the starting lineup.

Other Injuries: While Harvin is questionable, the Gators expect defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh to be at full speed against Alabama. He was slowed by a knee injury against Florida State.

Alabama, which has been one of the healthiest teams in the SEC this season, should be in good shape again Saturday. Roy Upchurch, the Tide's No. 3 running back, is the only question mark. Upchurch, who injured his neck three weeks ago, had just two carries in Saturday's victory against Auburn.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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