The Florida Gators have won their first game in six weeks. Florida defeated the UAB Blazers 36-7 with a brilliant defense and an effective rushing attack. It was a refreshing game for Florida. They have taken the monkey off their back since they are now in the win column and will have momentum heading into next week. All three of Florida’s running backs played extremely well, rushing for over 75 yards each. The freshman Adarius Lemons was also impressive against the Blazers. The Florida defense was able to force turnovers and completely shut down a stout UAB run game.
Florida Snaps the Skid
First Half
The Florida Gators drew first blood as they marched down the field with a combination of runs with Lamical Perine and a few big connection from Feleipe Franks. Freshman Kadarius Toney was injured on the first drive when he was in the Wildcat formation and took a helmet to the knee. Eddy Pineiro nailed a 39-yard field to make it a 3-0 game. With 3:24 left in the first quarter, freshman RB Spencer Brown was stripped by Vosean Joseph and Jabari Zuniga recovered the loose ball. After the turnover, Mark Thompson had three carries but wasn’t able to punch in the end zone or pick up a first down. Florida had to settle for three as Pineiro kicked a 26-yarder.
In the start of the second quarter, Franks had a little trouble with his receivers as they started dropping the ball. Redshirt-junior WR Dre Massey dropped what would have been a big completion. Franks was able to save the drive and completed a 19-yard reception to Moral Stephens on 3rd & 6. The Gators weren’t able to get in the end zone again but Pinero was able to work his magic as he nailed a 50-yard field goal making it 9-0. Then, the Florida defense forced another turnover with a Chauncey Gardner interception on a double pass from Kylen Binn. This time, Florida got in the end zone as Franks connected with C’yontai Lewis for an 11 yard touchdown. Florida then ended the half with another 50-yard field goal from Pineiro, making 19-0 at the half.
Second Half
After halftime, both teams exchanged punts but again Florida drew first blood. The Florida offense marched down the field with a few big runs from Thompson. Franks threw his second touchdown of the game to DeAndre Goolsby from 13-yards out making it 26-0. Florida then forced its third turnover on a fumbled by Rayshad Jackson and recovered by Shawn Davis. This time, Perine was able to get in the end zone as he scored an 18-yard rushing TD.
The UAB Blazers scored their first points in the game after a 74-yard TD pass from A.J. Erdely to Xavier Ubosi. Pineiro nailed a 42-yard field goal after Adarius Lemons had a few nice runs. The Florida defense forced its fourth turnover with an interception from the freshman Brad Steward. Feleipe Franks completed 15-30 for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Lemons was the game’s leading rusher as he had 11 carries for 89 yards. Perine had 20 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown. Thompson had 13 carries for 78 yards. Florida rushed for 257 yards which is 100 more than their season’s average per game. The Florida defense was incredible against UAB. The Blazers averaged 210.5 rushing yards per game but were only able to get three rushing yards in the game.
What’s next?
Next week is rivalry week for the Florida Gators as they will host the Florida State Seminoles. FSU is coming off a big 77-6 win over the 2-8 Delaware State Hornets. The Florida Gators have a five-game losing streak against the ‘Noles and haven’t beaten them since 2012. The Florida Gators lead the series as they are 34-25-2 against Florida State. You can watch the Florida State-Florida game on Saturday at 12 p.m. EST on ESPN.
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