GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida safety De'Ante Saunders and offensive tackle Matt Patchan are transferring out of the program, coach Will Muschamp said Thursday, marking the Gators' second and third defections since the regular season ended.

"Really appreciate their time at Florida. We wish them the best," Muschamp said shortly after the third-ranked Gators (11-1) arrived in New Orleans for their matchup with No. 21 Louisville (10-2) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. "I think they just needed a fresh start, both guys and both situations. That's all I've got to say about it."

Saunders, a 5-foot-8, 186-pound sophomore, missed four games this season. He started seven of the eight games he played at either nickelback or safety and had 18 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and four pass breakups.