The Gators rolled inside the Swamp on Sunday afternoon, defeating Eastern Washington 52-17 behind 666 yards of offense. Gator Country provides early takeaways from the Gators’ week five victory.
OFFENSE DIDN’T SKIP A BEAT
The Gators’ offense kept their momentum on Sunday afternoon, totaling 666 yards of offense in the victory. The Gators played a near perfect first half, scoring touchdowns on all five of their drives. Two touchdowns came on the first play of the drive, resulting in 75 and 76-yard gains. This was probably the easiest first half I’ve ever seen for an offense; the Eagles were completely outmatched.
Richardson had a great day, connecting on 10 of 12 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. His only blemish came on the first play of the 2nd half, a deep ball intended for Xzaiver Henderson that was woefully underthrown and picked off. Richardson added one rush for 45 yards in the contest.
The Gators got their first look at Jalen Kitna on Sunday. Kitna was impressive, connecting on 8 of 12 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown. His 64-yard touchdown pass was his first of his career, a beautiful ball to freshman receiver Caleb Douglas.
The Gators didn’t find as much success running the football. Lorenzo Lingard led Gators RBs with 5 carries for 45 yards.
I said before this week’s game that it will be difficult to take away anything from this game. Eastern Washington’s defense has given up a ton of points this season, including 70 to a Bo Nix led Oregon offense. Nonetheless, the Gators did what they were supposed to do on Sunday afternoon.
The Gators have well over a thousand yards of offense in the last two weeks, punting just once in that span.
GATORS HAVE A BETTER QB ROOM THAN PEOPLE THINK
There has been plenty of concern about the Florida Gators QB room for this season and beyond. The Gators haven’t had an opportunity to play another QB; they did against EWU and Jalen Kitna didn’t disappoint. Kitna was thrown into the fire after Richardson went down with an injury in the 2nd quarter. Kitna remained calm, completing both of his pass attempts for 36 yards. Richardson would finish the drive.
Kitna showed he’s capable of being a solid backup QB for this team. That was an impressive performance for Kitna’s first snaps of his college career, regardless of competition. After the game Napier said Kitna has taken huge strides in the last two weeks.
Gators haven’t seen what Jack Miller can do either. Miller has been nursing a thumb injury he suffered during fall camp. Miller is set to return soon, which should make for an interesting battle for backup QB. Napier shot down a question regarding the possibility of Kitna being QB2, so don’t be surprised if Jack Miller retains his role. I left today with a much better feeling about the Gators’ quarterback situation.
MUCH NEEDED BLOWOUT WIN
The Gators got a much-needed blowout win, and not because it looks good on the scoreboard. The Gators were able to play 71 players in today’s game. 17 different players touched the ball on offense. The Gators went to their younger players early and often in this one. Miguel Mitchell shined in today’s game.
We saw a bunch of players that will end up being the future of this football program. I’m excited to rewatch this game and take a deeper dive into the younger players on this roster.
SPECIAL TEAMS BLUNDERS
This one may be a permanent takeaway from this season. The Special Teams unit just isn’t where they need to be and should be addressed at the end of the season. Gators had a FG attempt that was blocked after a bad snap and hold. Henderson muffed a punt but was able to recover it. Gators avoided a disaster after they almost returned a kickoff with Henderson unprepared to block for the returner.
There isn’t much else to say about this unit. Special Teams hasn’t done many favors for the offense or defense this season.
DEFENSE NEEDS TO FIGURE IT OUT
The Gators’ defense needs to figure it out ahead of their homecoming game with Missouri. The Tigers bullied Georgia upfront yesterday, averaging 8.4 yards per carry.
I’m not surprised by the number of points the Eagles scored today; I am surprised at their ability to push around Florida with relative ease. The Eagles totaled 415 yards of offense against the Gators. Like I mentioned earlier, the Gators rotated a ton of players early and often in this game. However, the Gators gave up more yards than Montana State did to the Eagles. The Gators were able to get stops when they needed them; it was very much a bend but not break style defense. The Gators’ first team only allowed three points in today’s game.
Eastern Washington is known for their offense; they have been towards the top of the FCS in total offense in the last five years.
I would have liked to see more physicality from the Gators today. Things could get ugly for this Gator defense if they don’t turn it around quickly.
The Gators got the win, 71 players got in the game, and they came away relatively healthy.