The Florida Gators vs. Vanderbilt Commodores football game was one of the most physical and chippy games this season. This game had it all. They were huge crackbacks, sidelines cleared and even coaches getting into it. This game also had a great comeback victory for the Gators as they were down 21-3 late in the second quarter. This was the largest deficit the Gators have ever come back on since 2003 against Kentucky. It was a great comeback and Florida’s offense and defense were firing on all cylinders in the second half. The Vanderbilt Commodores really put up a good fight as they hit the Gators in the mouth early but weren’t able to hold the lead.
Florida Claws Back To beat Vanderbilt 37-27
Vanderbilt Commodores
The Vanderbilt Commodores came out of the gates very fast forcing turnovers and explosive plays but it wasn’t enough to upset the Gators. Senior QB Kyle Shurmur had a decent game as he completed 18 of 36 for 229 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Shurmur and the Vandy offense was scoring early and often against a tough Florida defense but that all changed when running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn went down with an injury. Vaughn was having a great game as he rushed 56 yards on seven carries. He also had one catch for 75 yards on a halfback screen for a touchdown. The other two pass catchers that were big for the Vanderbilt offense were Kalija Lipscomb and Jared Pinkney. Lipscomb had four catches for 64 yards against the Florida defense. Pinkney had three receptions for 25 yards and scored the first touchdown of the game.
Just like their offense, the Vanderbilt defense was great in the first half but struggled in the second. They forced three turnovers against a Gators team that was doing a good job of protecting the football. Vanderbilt scored 17 of their 27 points off those turnovers. The Commodores lead tackler on the day was linebacker Jordan Griffin. He led both teams in tackles with eighteen tackles including a pass defended. Dimitri Moore also had a great game as he had eleven tackles with half of a tackle for loss. Cornerback Joejuan Williams had eight tackles and an interception that was tipped up by a Vandy defensive lineman. The Commodores also had two sacks in the game by Stone Edwards and Louis Vecchio.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators showed a lot in this comeback win over Vanderbilt. They showed that this team might have the same players from last year but this is still a much different team. Last year’s team would have gotten blown out but this Gators team showed resilience and mental toughness. Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks played well as was 19 for 29 with 284 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The key for Florida’s victory was their rushing attack as they had two backs with over 100 yards. Lamical Perine had 23 carries for 121 yards and a touchdown. Perine also led the Gators in receiving with four receptions for 93 yards. Jordan Scarlett had sixteen carries for 113 yards and a touchdown. Ole Miss transfer Van Jefferson had three catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Freddie Swain also found the end zone on an 11 yard stand pass.
The Florida Gators defense was hit with some adversity and was given the option to either fold and let the game get out of hand or grind it out. They chose to grind it out and held Vandy’s offense to six points in the second half to help their offense comeback and win the game. Junior linebacker David Reese led the Gators in tackles with six and two of them solo. The Gators only had one sack in the game and it was by their star defensive end Jachai Polite who might play himself into the first round of the NFL Draft if he continues to play like this. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson had the only turnover in the game for Florida with an interception in the final seconds.
What’s Next?
The Florida Gators will have a week off as they are on their bye week. The Gators have already clinched bowl eligibility and have won two more games than in all of last season. After the bye week, the Gators take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. You can watch that game on October 27th at 3:30 pm EST on CBS.
