Three Florida players suspended for first half against Charlotte

Offensive linemen Damieon George Jr. and Micah Mazzccua, tight end Dante Zanders suspended

Florida offensive linemen Damieon George Jr. and Micah Mazzccua and tight end Dante Zanders will be suspended for the first half against the Charlotte 49ers following a late-game altercation against the Tennessee Volunteers Saturday.

In the final seconds of the Gators’ 29-16 win, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel called a timeout with seven seconds left to play and no chance to get back in the game.

On the ensuing Florida fourth down, Volunteers lineman Omari Thomas hit UF quarterback Graham Mertz attempting a delayed quarterback kneel. The hit led to a scrum on the Gators sideline, including a now viral moment where Mazzccua and UT’s Kamal Hadden nearly broke into a fistfight in the end zone.

Florida head coach Billy Napier briefly commented on the situation in a Monday press conference.

“It’s not just Micah. We got staff members that probably need to be disciplined, as well,” Napier said. “I think ultimately that’s a teachable moment. It’s an opportunity for us to talk about composure and poise, ego, temper.”

Sophomore cornerback Devin Moore also highlighted the importance of composure for the Gators moving forward.

“Just keep your composure is definitely very important because there’s been, like, other teams in the past losing key guys in moments of high emotions and things like that,” Moore said.

Tennessee lineman Omar Norman-Lott will also serve a one-half suspension in the Vols’ matchup against the UTSA Roadrunners.

The Gators will face the 49ers this Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.