GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Receiver Percy Harvin and safety Tony Joiner did not practice for Florida on Thursday because of injuries, but coach
Urban Meyer said both are expected to play in the national championship game.
The only injured player Meyer isn't sure about yet is defensive tackle Ray McDonald, who hurt his elbow in the Southeastern Conference championship game last Saturday. Meyer said McDonald is probable for the game against No. 1 Ohio State on Jan. 8 in Arizona.
The Gators practiced Thursday for the first time since receiving a bid to the championship game on Sunday. Harvin is nursing a neck injury and Joiner has a sprained right ankle.
The Gators practiced without pads and didn't do much. They also had a team meeting before practice, Meyer said.
"We had a great meeting," Meyer said. "We talked about the game, we talked about the status of the country, and it was great to talk about that it's down to two. We had an excellent practice; we didn't do much. It's just exciting. Exciting for the University of Florida and exciting for our players."