Florida should have had no problems on Saturday.
The No. 8 Gators came in as a 30-plus point favorite against Florida Atlantic, a Conference-USA team with just two wins to its name.
But what should have been a blowout turned into a nail-biting overtime victory, with the Gators needing Brian Poole to break up back-to-back passes to seal the 20-14 win.
It’s another close win in the Jim McElwain era — his fifth by seven points or fewer — but with Florida’s schedule getting tougher from here on out, the Gators have no room for error.
"We really have to just push through it," tight end Jake McGee said.
"From here on out, if you can’t get up for these games, you really shouldn’t be playing football."
The defense continued its dominant run, forcing five sacks and three turnovers while also breaking up a season-high nine passes.
But once again, the offense found a way to flatline for the bulk of the game.
Treon Harris completed just 8-of-17 passes for 122 yards, his lowest output of the season as the lone quarterback.
Harris did throw a pair of timely touchdown passes — a third-quarter bomb to freshman Antonio Callaway to give the Gators a 14-0 lead and the game-winner to McGee in the opening overtime possession.
But nestled between the two scoring passes was a six-drive stretch where the sophomore threw five incompletions, was sacked twice and turned the ball over twice.
The second turnover came on a strip-sack by FAU defensive end Trey Hendrickson in the fourth quarter that the Owls recovered in the end zone to tie the game at 14-14.
Overall, the Gators mustered just 252 yards of offense, their lowest total since their Southeastern Conference opener against Kentucky on Sept. 19.
It was also Florida’s lowest point total against a non-Power Five conference team since also putting up just 20 in the loss to Georgia Southern in 2013.
"I don’t think anybody on that side of the ball should be real happy with how they’ve played," UF coach Jim McElwain said.
"The team we played took it to us. So you know what, here’s the key from here: How are you going to respond?"
This Florida team has responded well after tough games this year.
After losing on the road to LSU, the Gators followed up with a 27-3 win against Georgia.
After needing Austin Hardin to hit a last-second field goal to hold off Vanderbilt, Florida traveled to South Carolina and put up more than 400 yards of offense and left with a 10-point victory.
Now, McElwain is hoping the Gators can respond from a lackluster game against a two-win FAU team when his team plays No. 14 Florida State on Saturday.
There’s a lot riding on the matchup between the Gators and the Seminoles.
It’s the first top-15 contest between the teams since 2012.
It’s a chance for Florida to remain in the College Football Playoff hunt.
It’s Senior Night, the last time UF’s 17 seniors will play at The Swamp.
Florida has shown its potential time and time again this season.
Another game like Saturday’s against Florida Atlantic would throw it all away.
"I see a sparkle here and there," McElwain said.
"And we just got some guys on this team that refuse to take off the governor, and that ain’t the way to go through life, man. Seize the moment. Be excited. Enjoy what you’re doing. Enjoy the people and company you’re doing it with. And affect them the way you want to be affected."
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
UF tight end Jake McGee breaks past a defender on his way to the game-winning touchdown in Florida's 20-14 overtime win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
UF football players celebrate with cornerback Jalen Tabor after his second-half interception during Florida's 20-14 overtime win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
A drenched UF football coach Jim McElwain (center) walks off the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium following Florida's 20-14 overtime win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
UF defensive lineman Taven Bryan returns a fumble during the second half of Florida's 20-14 win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
UF linebacker Jarrad Davis pursues FAU quarterback Jaquez Johnson during Florida's 20-14 overtime win against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
