Boy, was it good to see an offense back in the Swamp led by the Florida Gators.
Yes, I know I was Charleston Southern and I know they are, quite possibly, one of the worst teams to come to Gainesville in some time, but I have a mantra that I often say, “Beat the teams you are supposed to beat, the way you are supposed to beat them.”
Under Jim McElwain and Will Muschamp decisive happened sparingly — often battling late against the likes of the pre-Kiffin FAU Owls and the Furman Paladins.
Sure, they both started strong in their Ben Hill Griffin openings, and sure, we don’t know what to expect with Dan Mullen – but this time it felt different.
This time, the Gators team looked a little more polished; a little more disciplined; a little more aware; and heck, like they were having fun out there.
Writing an article like this, with a blow-out game like this, is difficult. You know, and I know, Florida dominated nearly every facet of the game. But doing my research, I found a few fascinating things for you:
- The Gators 10 points in the first quarter were a nice welcome back, after they only averaged 2.6 in the first quarter last season.
- The counted the Gators getting plays off about 11 seconds faster this season than their average last season (when the first team was running).
- 7% of the Gators offensive plays resulted in a first down or a touchdown.
- The Gators last had five passing touchdowns against Eastern Michigan in 2014. All five touchdowns were in the red zone were the most red zone touchdowns since they played New Mexico State in 2015.
- The Gators gained eleven first downs on first down.
- Feleipe Franks ranked 19th in the country in first half passing yards.
- More impressively, he had 10 passes on second down with seven being completed – all went for first down.
- He was also 6-of-8 in the opponent red zone with four touchdowns. Last season, he was only 12-of-25 with seven touchdowns.
- The Gators have allowed the fewest passing yards in the FBS with three (3). The Gators allowed the fourth fewest receptions in the FBS with five, but only allowed two in the first half.
- Charleston Southern was 3-of-14 on third down (21.43% conversion), which is the 25th time out of the last 28 games an opponent has had less than a 50.01% conversion rate on third down.
- The Gators three penalties for 20 yards were the lowest they have had in a game since the LSU game in 2016 (one/five yards).
- Evan McPherson was two-for-two on field goals in his debut and Jorge Powell was one-for-one on his field goal attempt– these successful attempts make it 12 games and 20 attempts since they have missed a field goal.
- The Gators two blocked kicks were more than they had in the previous 14 games and the most they have had in a game since Louisville in the 2012 Sugar Bowl.