College Football Fan Site

10:07 pm | August 24, 2019 | Go to Source | Author: Pat Dooley

Florida wide receiver Josh Hammond makes a deep catch during the second half of the Camping World Kickoff game against the Miami Hurricanes at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. [Brad McClenny/The Gainesville Sun]

Offense C-

First half: Yikes! That effort was reminiscent of the old days. We all knew that Miami was coming in here with a great defense. But for Florida to only gain 144 yards was a real surprise.

Second half: The two Feleipe Franks interceptions were brutal and almost cost Florida the game. On the other hand, the offense did make enough plays to score 17 points in the half.

For the game: There were enough turnovers in this game to turn Dan Mullen’s hair white. We did see Florida’s playmakers do more in the second half, but 52 yards rushing for the game isn’t going to cut it.

Defense B

First half: The Gators recorded four sacks. That’s the good news. The bad news was a 90-yard drive at the end of the half and the opening drive that was a screen-play party.

Second half: Florida’s pass rush ultimately was the difference in the game. But the penalties that kept Miami’s final drive alive were excruciating for Florida fans to watch.

For the game: For one thing, Florida has to tackle 100 percent better than it did in this game. And enough with the late hits out of bounds. You have to be better than that.

Special teams A

First half: Obviously, the fake punt was a gutsy call and Tommy Townsend’s speed made it pay off. Both kickers did well (Townsend’s only one was 50 yards and a fair catch) and the return game was solid.

Second half: One of the biggest plays in the second half was Van Jefferson recovering a muffed punt to set up a Florida touchdown. Jefferson had a heck of a game on special teams and Evan McPherson made another important field goal.

For the game: Special teams may well have been the difference in this game and there is nothing wrong with that. Florida’s kicking game picked up right where it left off last year.

Overall C+

A win is a win. A win over a rival is even better than a regular win. But it’s pretty obvious Florida has an awful lot of work to do if this season is going to be anything special. That starts with the quarterback, who alternated between his first and second years all night.