Florida fans knew entering this season that the fastest man in college football wasn’t going to be caught from behind.
But running back Jeff Demps hasn’t just outrun opposing defenses in the Gators’ first two games, he’s eluded upset bids.
Before Demps’ 62-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter Saturday, No. 10 Florida found itself in an unexpected dogfight against an overmatched team for the second straight week. And, once again, a Demps carry swung the momentum.
Following the junior’s touchdown, Florida outscored South Florida 31-7 and outgained the Bulls by 114 yards.
Last week against Miami (Ohio), Florida gained 102 yards in two drives after a 72-yard Demps touchdown. In their previous 10 drives combined, the Gators had managed only 26 yards.
“You’ve got to create your own momentum,” offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said. “All of a sudden, you feel that energy. You feel that surge. You can see the eyes pop back open and it’s like, ‘Bam!’ Sometimes that’s what you need.”
Five minutes after Demps’ touchdown Saturday, the Gators held a 28-7 lead.
At halftime, the speedster had only touched the ball five times. But he became the focal point of the Florida offense following his long run, ending the game with 255 total yards on 14 touches, including a career-high 139 yards rushing.
“Jeff Demps is a guy who you want to have the ball,” coach Urban Meyer said. “We were very conscious of that in the second half. Demps really had a hell of a day.”
The running back’s day also included a 21-yard catch negated by a holding penalty and a 54-yard kick return that set up a Gators field goal. When Demps touched the ball, Florida’s offense gained an average of 13.3 yards. On the 56 plays when he didn’t, the Gators averaged about 4.7 yards.
“Those are big hits,” Addazio said. “You need those. It’s hard to go 99 yards. You need some hits.”
Demps’ third-quarter touchdown also seemed to energize the Florida defense. The Gators forced a three-and-out on the next drive, and cornerback Janoris Jenkins returned a punt 30 yards to set up Florida’s third touchdown.
On the following drive, linebackers Brandon Hicks and Jon Bostic pressured USF quarterback B.J. Daniels, forcing him to throw a pass directly toward defensive end Justin Trattou, who returned the interception 35 yards for an easy touchdown.
Florida limited USF to just five first downs after Demps’ score.
“We were down a little bit in the first half,” Bostic said. “But his run, getting the offense going, actually helped pick us up, too.”
