Fans buzzed about Demarcus Robinson following Florida’s 36-30 triple overtime victory over Kentucky.
The sophomore wide receiver had a school-record-tying 15 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-tying score to force a second overtime period.
But there was someone else Saturday night that flew quietly under the radar, and may have been the reason the Gators pulled off their 28th straight victory over the Wildcats: running back Matt Jones.
Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper focused more on the passing game in the first half — the aspect of the offense that worked so well a week ago against Eastern Michigan.
As a result of quarterback Jeff Driskel continually trying to take shots down the field, Jones had just 63 yards on 10 carries before the half.
In the third quarter, Jones had just 9 yards on four carries.
In the fourth, the junior tailback saw touches in only the Gators’ opening drive, rushing for 37 yards.
Then the overtime period came, and the plays were called with one goal in mind: keep feeding Matt Jones.
"Matt pushes the pile," coach Will Muschamp said. "He’s 235 pounds and he ended up with about 150 yards rushing, a lot of that was second contact yardage. When you’re able to get a guy inside … he’s able to lean forward and he’s gonna get you four yards."
In Florida’s first overtime possession, down 27-20, Jones rushed for 20 yards on four carries to set up a 9-yard Driskel touchdown pass to Robinson to tie the game.
Jones had just one carry for two yards on the second overtime drive that resulted in a Frankie Velez 20-yard field goal to give Florida a 30-27 lead as Kentucky took over for their possession.
Kentucky’s 41-yard field goal forced a third overtime, and the Wildcats got the first possession. The offense was stuffed, gaining only one yard, and Kentucky again lined up for a 41-yard field goal. However this time the kick went wide right, and the Gators had a chance to put the game away for good.
Instead of turning to Robinson, Florida called No. 24’s number. Jones answered that call and delivered.
The Florida offense lined up with the ball game on the line. First and ten from the Kentucky 25, Jones ran up the middle for three yards. On the very next down it was Jones again, this time trucking between the tackles for a 16-yard gain and a first down inside the Wildcats’ 6 yard line.
And he didn’t stop there. He ran for five yards on the very next play, and was downed inside the one-yard line. Driskel gave it to him again on the next play, resulting in a one-yard touchdown.
"I told him, ‘you’re carrying us. We’re going to keep riding on your back. We’re going to keep blocking for you,’" redshirt senior tackle Chaz Green said. "And then we put it in his hands and he made some great things happen."
Follow Morgan Moriarty on Twitter @Morgan_Moriarty
UF running back Matt Jones carries the ball during Florida's 36-30 triple-overtime win against Kentucky on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
