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Gators Look To Tame Blazers

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – The Florida Gators are looking to build off their 41-3 demolition of Florida Atlantic when they take on the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers Saturday evening.

The Gators weren't challenged by FAU last weekend as they finally took the wraps off their new offense under offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Starting quarterback John Brantley completed 70 percent of his passes last week for 229 yards and a touchdown.

Brantley finally looked comfortable as the Gators starter after struggling last season with Urban Meyer's offense that was built for Tim Tebow. Brantley's success under Weis will define just how far the Gators can go in 2011.

Still, Gators head coach Will Muschamp said don't' read too much into these first few games.

"I think we need to be realistic here," Muschamp said. "We'll face better opponents throughout the season. We didn't face as much adversity as we had hoped for, but I'm very pleased with the effort and energy of our players.

UAB has a history of taking SEC schools to the final whistle. Last season, UAB lost to Tennessee and Mississippi State by a combined eight points.

UAB has faced Florida only once in school history in 2002. In that game, played at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida cruised to a 51-3 victory over the Blazers.

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