The Dan Mullen Era at the University of Florida is off to a great start after a blowout 53-6 victory over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. It was an exciting night filled with energy, cheers and touchdowns for the Florida Gators. Redshirt-sophomore Feleipe Franks had his best game of his collegiate career. Florida’s running game was solid. The Gators defense also had a great night as they forced some turnovers and held Charleston Southern’s passing game under 10 yards. The Florida special teams also had a huge night with a few highlight plays.
Charleston Southern Buccaneers
It was a tough, long night for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers as they get pounced by the Florida Gators. Starting quarterback London Johnson had a night to forget as he completed three of twelve passes for three yards and two fumbles. Johnson also had 14 carries for 72 yards. The rushing attack was much better once Florida put in their second and third team players on defense. Ronnie Harris had eight carries for 83 yards. Terrence Wilson had nine carries for 43 yards and their only touchdown.
On defense, Charleston Southern was picked apart by the Florida offense led by Franks. Senior defensive end Solomon Brown led the Buccaneers in tackles with eight tackles including one tackle for a loss. Defensive back J.D. Sosebee also had four tackles including one QB hurry and a tackle for a loss.
Florida Gators
For the first time in a long time, the Florida Gators offense actually looked like they knew what they were doing. Franks looked like a new man as he completed 16 out of 24 passes for 219 yards with five touchdowns. Franks also had five carries for 34 rushing yards. The Florida running game had a nice night as they rushed for over 200 yards. Freshman Dameon Pierce led the pack with nine carries for 75 yards. Malik Davis had six carries for 38 yards. Backup QB Kyle Trask also had a 12-yard rushing TD. The leading receiver for the Florida Gators was Freddie Swain with two catches for 57 yards. Ohio State transfer Trevon Grimes had three receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown. Ole Miss transfer Van Jefferson had four receptions for 34 yards and two touchdowns.
The Florida Gators defense also had a big night with some fun. Junior Chauncey Gardner-Johnson led the Gators in tackles with five including two sacks. Redshirt-freshman Ventrell Miller had the other Gators sack on the night. Freshman safety John Huggins got his first collegiate interceptions in the last minute of the game. West Virginia graduate transfer Adam Shuler and sophomore T.J. Slaton both had fumble recoveries. Florida’s special teams had a great showing with two blocked kicks including a failed PAT that was returned for a defensive PAT.
What’s next?
The Florida Gators will take on their first SEC opponent after their latest win. The Kentucky Wildcats led by running back Benny Snell will come into Gainesville to try to knock off the Gators. Florida has a 31-game winning streak against Kentucky as Florida beat them by a missed field goal last season. You can watch this game on Saturday night at 7:30 pm EST on the SEC Network.
