Florida’s offense moved the ball at will, coughed up just one turnover and didn’t commit a penalty in the team’s season opening 61-13 win against New Mexico State on Saturday night.
Sophomore quarterback Treon Harris started the first drive and redshirt freshman Will Grier entered soon after.
Together, the two quarterbacks combined to go 30-for-37 passing for 381 yards and four touchdowns.
Following the mantra "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it", Florida will continue using both quarterbacks in Saturday’s game against East Carolina.
"They’re all correctable mistakes, they’re not fatal flaws," McElwain said. "We’ll play both like we did next week as far as how we’ll do it."
Overall, it was an encouraging opening to the season for McElwain, who said he noticed different aspects of each quarterback’s game that helped lead the Gators to a win against one of the worst teams in college football in recent memory.
The Aggies came into Gainesville with 10 straight losses, and a combined 5-31 record over the last three seasons.
"I thought Treon showed some escape-ability and created big plays down the field, extended plays. I think that’s a real positive," McElwain said.
"I thought what Will did was come in with that two-minute drive right there before half. We gave up a score and we answered."
While neither quarterback was flawless, McElwain said it’s encouraging knowing the mistakes are reparable.
To keep the defense guessing, the Gators plan to continue using a multitude of playmakers on offense like they did against the Aggies.
UF had 14 players catch at least one pass on Saturday, with junior Demarcus Robinson leading the way with six receptions for 34 yards.
But when Florida released its Week 2 depth chart on Monday, Robinson had dropped from a starter to the third-team offense.
Freshman Antonio Callaway was listed as a projected starter after snagging three receptions for 26 yards on Saturday.
McElwain said fans shouldn’t read too much into the unofficial depth chart, however.
"What are depth charts?" McElwain said rhetorically.
"As you look at rep counts, I think some guys … that weren’t No. 1 on the depth chart probably played a bunch more than guys that were on there.
"I don’t ever look at even a backup as a non-starter. You got to think of yourself as a starter because if that person goes down, then you’re a starter. "
Junior running back Kelvin Taylor ran eight times for 54 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in a 43-yard catch that ended up being Florida’s longest reception of the day.
Expect the Gators to also continue using a revolving door in the backfield, with Taylor remaining the starter.
Freshmen running backs Jordan Cronkrite and Jordan Scarlett will continue to receive consistent looks after running for 24 and 34 yards, respectively.
"We’ve got to continue to do that in the backfield," McElwain said.
"There are five guys there that we feel totally comfortable with to help take a burden off that position."
Overall, the Gators unveiled a formidable offense that relies on multiple playmakers.
McElwain, comparing the team’s offense to a gun, said Florida wouldn’t rely solely on those listed as first-string players but rather an array of options throughout the depth chart.
"I’m about using all the bullets and then put some more in the next game," McElwain said.
"I’m sure you’ll let me know when I don’t."
Heading into the season, the Gators spoke often about wanting to come out and finally unveil the team’s progress.
For McElwain, the first-year Florida coach was most excited to see the Gators come together as a team and support each other.
"What I saw was a lot of guys get into this team," McElwain said.
"When the offense did well, the defensive guys were as excited as anybody. That shows me there’s some bonding that’s coming together here.
"The excitement for each other, that’s really what it’s about."
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UF football coach Jim McElwain walks out of the tunnel Florida's 61-13 win against New Mexico State on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
