Florida defensive starters Spikes, Howard, Marsh might not play at Mississippi State

No. 2 Florida might be down 3 defensive starters

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Second-ranked Florida could be without three defensive starters against Mississippi State.

Linebacker Brandon Spikes and defensive tackles Jaye Howard and Lawrence Marsh practiced sparingly this week. Coach Urban Meyer doesn’t know if any of them will play Saturday night in Starkville, Miss.

Spikes re-injured his left groin last week against Arkansas and sat out much of the game. The Razorbacks ran for 133 yards and finished with 357 yards — the most against the Gators this season.

Meyer says Howard, who has an injured knee, and Marsh, who hurt his ankle, are doubtful.

The Gators already are thin on the defensive line because Justin Trattou has a biceps injury that could keep him sidelined for weeks.