Jon Harrison was ejected against Arkansas on Saturday night, but the reason remains unclear.
With the Gators leading the Razorbacks 24-7 during the third quarter, Florida’s center was involved in an altercation with a referee. To what extent Harrison made contact with the official is uncertain, but he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and disqualified from the game.
“Jon’s an emotional guy; he lost his temper and did something he shouldn’t have done,” coach Will Muschamp said. “He was ejected from the game, and rightfully so. We’ll handle it and move forward.”
Asked if Harrison made contact with the official, Muschamp replied: “I’m not going to get into all that. He just did something he shouldn’t have done.”
Harrison’s outburst is rare for the Gators, who have spoken about limiting personal foul penalties this season.
Loucheiz Purifoy, who claimed an Arkansas player spit on him while fighting for a muffed punt during the second quarter, said Florida players have added incentive for keeping their noses clean on the field.
“You seen our coach?” Purifoy quipped.
The Southeastern Conference has not announced any further punishment for Harrison.
Kicking woes: Florida lost its top receiver, rusher and seven of its starters on defense from last season, but replacing kicker Caleb Sturgis has proven to be the most burdensome through five games.
Redshirt freshman Austin Hardin and senior Brad Phillips competed for the job during training camp. Hardin won the spot but has done nothing to keep it.
Despite missing 3 of his 7 field goal attempts during the first month of the season, Hardin kept the job leading into a matchup with Arkansas. But his fourth miss — a 48-yard attempt that was blocked after barely getting off the ground — cost him his job.
“Obviously, the blocked kick wasn’t what we want,” Muschamp said. “Austin just kicked it too low. It had nothing to do with penetration. I could’ve blocked it. We’ve got to improve there.”
Phillips came on when a Florida drive stalled in Arkansas territory during the second quarter. The senior connected on a 28-yard try to cut the Gators’ deficit to 7-3 and seemingly surpass Hardin on the depth chart.
Unfortunately for Florida, its kicking woes continued.
Phillips missed an extra point following a 9-yard receiving touchdown by Valdez Showers late in the fourth quarter.
It remains unclear whether Hardin or Phillips will attempt Florida’s next field goal.
“It’s open,” Muschamp said when asked how the depth chart looks at the position.
Punter Kyle Christy, who had his job threatened by Muschamp earlier this season, shanked a 15-yard punt against Arkansas. His hold on the starting punter job could also be in jeopardy.
Injuries: Marcus Roberson missed his third consecutive game with an injured knee. Valdez Showers (ankle) returned after missing two games and scored a touchdown during the fourth quarter.
Jarrad Davis suffered a cheek laceration and left the game. Muschamp expects Roberson and Davis to return next week against LSU.
Senior breaking through: Solomon Patton won’t slow down.
An afterthought through three seasons, the senior continues to emerge as a dynamic offensive threat for the Gators. His latest career performance helped propel No. 18 Florida to a 30-10 victory against Arkansas in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
“We told him, ‘We need you to be a guy that can help us in the game and be a refined route runner,’ and that’s something he has done,” Muschamp said. “You’ve got to credit the young man and his work ethic. He’s having a special year.”
Patton continues to develop into one of quarterback Tyler Murphy’s favorite targets. He finished Saturday night with six catches for a career-high 124 yards and two touchdowns.
The first touchdown strike came during Florida’s last drive of the first half. Nursing a 10-7 lead, the Gators appeared to be willing to enter halftime.
However, after Mack Brown gained five yards on second and 17, Murphy hit Patton on a simple curl route. The speedy receiver turned up field and raced 51 yards to extend Florida’s lead to 17-7.
“He’s a slippery guy,” Muschamp said.
“One missed tackle and it could be the distance.”
Patton struck again during Florida’s first drive after halftime, exhibiting his 4.36 speed to take a pass over the middle for 38 yards and his second touchdown.
“It was a great feeling to be able to perform like that in front of all of those fans,” Patton said. “Offense, we weren’t doing too much, and then I finally had that explosive play, and I helped out my team.”
Two starts and one relief appearance into his UF career, Murphy is glad to be throwing to Patton.
Patton has a team-leading 348 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 19 catches this season.
“I’m happy he’s on our team and not the other team,” Murphy said.
“He’s very smart. He’s so quick and hard to tackle. He just knows how to find the open spot.”
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Austin Hardin (16) and sophomore holder Kyle Crofoot (43) scramble for the football after a blocked kick during Florida’s 30-10 victory against Arkansas on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
