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          Florida Gators

          Gator Bowl not a 2012 audition

          • Michael DiRocco, ESPN Staff WriterDec 9, 2011, 03:51 AM
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              Michael DiRocco is an NFL reporter at ESPN. DiRocco covers the Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously covered the University of Florida for over a decade for ESPN.com and Florida Times-Union. DiRocco graduated from Jacksonville University and is a multiple APSE award winner. You can follow DiRocco on Twitter at @ESPNdirocco.
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          JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Will Muschamp said he's not using the TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl matchup against Ohio State as an audition for the 2012 season.

          The Gators (6-6) are not going to bench some of the older players against the Buckeyes (6-6) in order to get some of the younger players more playing time. That wouldn't be fair to the older players, Muschamp said. If the opportunity presents itself for the young players to get into the game, they will.

          "We're going to win the game," Muschamp said. "We're coaching to win the game. I don't believe in all that."

          Muschamp was asked whether John Brantley would start at quarterback or if freshmen Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett would get the bulk of the playing time.

          "If they offer us the best opportunity to win, yes [they will play], but again, Johnny Brantley is our starting quarterback at this time," Muschamp said.

          Other tidbits from Muschamp's news conference at Thursday night's Gator Bowl Meet the Coaches reception:

          • In addition to taking over play-calling duties for departing offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, running backs coach Brian White also will cover Weis' recruiting duties. That includes picking up the Northeast Florida area. Among the players the Gators are targeting there is 2013 receiver Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny).

          • Muschamp said he does not anticipate any other staff changes. Weis and strength and conditioning coordinator Mickey Marotti, who left to join Urban Meyer at Ohio State, are the only staffers to leave.