GAINESVILLE -- In last season’s loss to LSU, one of Florida’s biggest problems was simply making a tackle.

Coach Will Muschamp has said since last season that tackling is a matter of “want-to” and that the Gators struggled with that against top opponents last year. LSU rushed for 238 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-11 victory against UF on Oct. 9, 2011.

Following a shutout victory against Kentucky two weeks ago, Muschamp again talked about tackling issues, specifically in the perimeter running game. To counteract that, Muschamp said the team works on tackling each day in practice.

Muschamp said he expects LSU to try to force Florida to make stops on the perimeter Saturday and said the Gators have worked the secondary in that area in practice.

Muschamp added that he doesn’t think there will be a lack of effort this time around. Before a reporter could finish a question about what would happen if the secondary isn’t up for the challenge, Muschamp interrupted.

“They’ll want to [be],” he said.

• LSU starting fullback J.C. Copeland will “probably start” Saturday, coach Les Miles said Wednesday on his radio show. At 6-1, 270 pounds, Copeland, a converted defensive lineman, is the key to the Tigers’ two-back running game, but his status was in doubt after he injured his knee last week against Towson. He has three touchdowns this season.