Gators likely out two defensive linemen for SEC title game

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- No. 2 Florida could be without two defensive linemen against top-ranked Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game Saturday.

Matt Patchan has a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee, defensive line coach Dan McCarney said Sunday night, and the freshman won't play again this season. Patchan won't have surgery, but probably won't return until after spring practice.

Patchan, who has seven tackles and 1½ sacks in 10 games this season, hurt his knee last weekend against The Citadel.

Defensive tackle Brandon Antwine, who missed the first five games of the season while recovering from back surgery, sprained a knee in the second half Saturday at Florida State. Coach Urban Meyer said Antwine is "probably doubtful" against the Crimson Tide.

"He's not moving around at all," Meyer said.

The good news for Florida is Lawrence Marsh, the player Antwine replaced in the starting lineup against the Seminoles, should be full-go Saturday.

"He was 70 percent (against FSU)," Meyer said. "He'll be 100 percent (against Alabama)."

Marsh, a sophomore defensive tackle who started the first 11 games, has 21 tackles and three sacks this season. He sprained the MCL in his left knee on the first play against The Citadel.