Under most circumstances, a 10-4 lead heading into the final two innings would be safe, particularly with closer Brandon Neely available to slam the door if things got a little dicey, but Friday night was the exception and not the rule. The 2nd-ranked Gators (28-7, 9-4 SEC) gave up two in the top of the eighth, seven in the ninth and eventually dropped a 13-11 decision to Georgia (19-15, 4-9 SEC) at Condron Family Ballpark.

By KYLE CURTIS

“Got to give the defense some credit. They made it hard today.” -- Napier

By KYLE CURTIS

A few thoughts to jump start your Thursday morning:

Along with other good news out of Gainesville this week on the eve of the Orange And Blue Game that has lifted spirits of Gator Nation.

A day after announcing the formal signing of Australian big man Alex Condon (6-11, 230), Florida’s basketball roster took a hit when Alex Fudge (6-9, 200) declared he will forego further college eligibility to enter the NBA Draft. A Jacksonville native who spent his freshman season at LSU, Fudge averaged 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32 games after transferring to Florida from LSU.

If you were looking for some Thursday night excitement, then Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was not the place to be. It was billed as the Orange and Blue Spring Game. Perhaps they could have called it the Cure for Insomnia Bowl.

University of Florida Football Media Conference

By KYLE CURTIS