The Florida Gators get another shutout win in the Swamp as they defeated the Towson Tigers 38-0. Florida has only allowed a total of three points in their first three games at home. For the first time since 2012, the Gators have started the season with a 5-0 record. Florida’s quarterback Kyle Trask looked good again as he broke Chris Leak’s most consecutive completions record with 18. The Florida defense struggled a little in the first half but was dominant in the second half. This is the second shutout win for the Florida Gators this season. They also forced three turnovers in the game and recorded four sacks.
Gators Handle Towson Tigers, 38-0
Towson Tigers
The Towson Tigers came into the Swamp averaging over 40 points per game. This is first time they have been shutout since 2014 against West Virginia. Tom Flacco wasn’t at his best as he completed 16 out of 27 passes for 157 yards and two interceptions. Flacco also had 15 rushing yards on ten attempts. Yeedee Thaenrat was the lead rusher for the Towson Tigers as he had eight carries for 35 yards. Shane Leatherbury had a solid game at wide receiver with four receptions for 65 yards. Darian Street also had four catches for 29 yards. This was by far Towson’s worst offensive performance but it was also their toughest opponent so far this season.
On defense, Towson did make some nice plays as they picked up three sacks in the game. Safety S.J. Brown II led both teams in tackles with eleven including five solos and a pass breakup. Linebacker Christian Dixon had nine tackles in the game with a sack and two tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble which was recovered by the Gators. Redshirt-junior Bryce Carter had a big game as he recorded 1.5 sacks in the game with five tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Junior defensive lineman Tibo Debalillie also recorded half a sack in their shutout loss.
Florida Gators
The Gators offense moved the ball pretty well in the game especially through the air. Kyle Trask continues to play well as he completed 18 of 20 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Trask also had a one-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Redshirt-freshman Emory Jones played well as he completed six out of 8 for 74 yards and a touchdown. He also had 29 rushing yards on his only carry of the game. Florida’s rushing attack had 160 yards. Sophomore Dameon Pierce had six carries for 84 yards including a 37-yard rushing touchdown. Trevon Grimes led Florida is receiving with five receptions for 55 yards. Tight end Kyle Pitts had four catches for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman tight end Keon Zipperer caught three passes for 31 yards and picked up his first career touchdown.
The Florida defense wasn’t playing to their best level in the first half but looked much better in the second half. Sophomore linebacker Amari Burney led the Gators in tackles with eight tackles with a tackle for loss. Senior David Reese had seven tackles and recorded half a sack. He also recovered a fumble on Towson’s first drive. Jon Greenard continues to dominate with five tackles, half a sack, three QB hurries and an interception. Trey Dean, Jeremiah Moon, Brad Stewart, Mohamoud Diabate, Adam Shuler and Marlon Dunlap also record half sacks in the shutout win. Safety Donovan Stiner picked up his first interception of the season.
What’s Next?
The Florida Gators will be back in the Swamp for homecoming against one of their toughest opponents this season. Florida will host the Auburn Tigers for the first time since 2007. You can watch this game next Saturday at 3:30 pm EST on CBS.
Gators Handle Towson Main Photo:
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: Emory Jones #5 of the Florida Gators runs for yardage during the fourth quarter against the Towson Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
