Image Credit: UAA
One of the worst halves played in the history of the Florida Gators football program ended a game before it started with streaks snapped and a rivalry turned on its head as the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers completed a 31-11 rout — more dominant than the score suggests — on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Not only did the game mark Tennessee’s first win in The Swamp since 2003, it matched UT’s largest win on Florida Field (1955). If the Gators had not already lost to South Florida in Week 2 and at Kentucky by 31 points, it would have marked rock bottom for the program in another wasted season that featured the firing of head coach Billy Napier.
Even to the most casual observer, it was clear Florida failed in every facet of football throughout the first 31 minutes. It was a true Murphy’s Law situation as the Gators not only created their own problems but wound up on the wrong side of nearly every bounce and decision in the early going. UF ultimately put together a respectable effort by shutting out UT in the second half, but by then, the game was already over.
The Vols were impressive offensively in the first half, but they didn’t need to do much as the hosts repeatedly shot themselves in the foot. At one point, despite starting three straight drives inside its own 10-yard line, Florida twice drove the field and put itself into scoring position. It only registered a field goal.
Interim coach Billy Gonzales fell to 0-4 in his tenure, standing one game away from being the first man to hold that position and fail to lead the Gators to a victory.
While Only Gators would normally break down every facet of the game, Saturday’s (lack of) effort was so embarrassing that Florida’s performance is neither worth the time nor space. As such, let’s take a brief look at the pathetic showing put forth in The Swamp on Saturday night
First half
The Gators allowed a touchdown on the opening drive, 14 points in the first quarter and 31 points in the first half. Florida only forced a single punt, blew its lone chance to flip the field with a 28-yard boot by senior punter Tommy Doman and failed to score points on its lone successful drive into the red zone.
The Vols outgained the hosts 323-10 in the period, averaging 7.3 yards per play with nary a turnover. They went up 28-0 on four straight TD drives to open the game and transversed 72 yards in 75 seconds for a buzzer-beating field goal. UF was eaten alive by crossing routes and proved unable to complete even the most elementary tackles in the run game. UT also converted a third-and-17 with a 52-yard rush at one point. The Gators even had an opportunity to flip momentum with a sack-fumble in the second quarter, only to fail in their recovery effort despite having the numbers advantage around the ball.
Florida’s offense shot itself in the foot time and again. On the Gators’ first drive, sophomore running back Jadan Baugh had a tremendous 42-yard rush called back due to holding. Early in the second quarter, Florida failed on fourth-and-1 at midfield with a rushed sneak by sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway that had no chance.
Lagway ended the period with the best run of his career, a 38-yard scamper featuring a jump cut and a spin move that took the Gators into the red zone. Florida again called a QB rush on first down for no gain, continuously calling that play to little effect for no discernible reason. Lagway missed a wide-open receiver due to his poor mechanics on second down and got sacked on third down. And then senior kicker Trey Smack missed a 38-yard field goal.
Second half
Florida started its first two drives from inside its own 2-yard line after Baugh botched the opening kickoff and Tennessee downed a fantastic punt. For the second time, Lagway and Baugh led a terrific drive, moving 71 yards before ultimately stalling. This time, Smack drilled a 46-yard field goal to keep the Gators’ NCAA-record scoring streak alive at 472 games.
Baugh received the lion’s share of touches in the second half, almost single-handedly dragging Florida to respectability in the second half. Lagway was the author of the second scoring play of the game, though, a perfect 33-yard strike to Baugh for a touchdown. Baugh finished with 131 total yards.
UF ultimately shut out the visitors in the latter 30 minutes, outgaining UT 151-129.
Odds & ends
Tennessee ended a 10-game losing streak at Florida Field dating back to 2003 … the Vols have won three of the last four meetings after the Gators won 16 of the prior 17 … this was the latest meeting between UF and UT — played as scheduled — since 1932 … Florida has given up 21+ points in eight consecutive games … the Gators are 18-7 at home since the start of Napier’s tenure … since Napier took over, Florida is now 3-20 when opponents score first, 1-19 when scoring less than 21 points, 7-25 when allowing 21+ points, 4-20 when tied or trailing at halftime, 3-24 when tied or trailing after the third quarter and 4-20 when being outrushed … the Gators failed to create a turnover for just the third time in the last 23 games … Florida is the only SEC team to be outscored this season (-28) … UF is 5-20 against AP Top 25 teams since the start of Napier’s tenure, 4-15 over the last three seasons … Florida has scored in 472 consecutive games, an NCAA record