Coach Jim McElwain was asked on Monday if he felt like the Gators stole a win in Saturday’s game against Tennessee. With nine seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 20, it looked like the Gators were heading for overtime.
Instead of answering that question, McElwain dodged it by asking the reporter if he was there for the end of the game.
For Feleipe Franks’ 63-yard touchdown pass to Tyrie Cleveland, and for the loud roar of the crowd as the Gators dogpiled on the southern end zone.
That reporter, though, was right to ask that question. Why did they have to win it in the last second? Why didn’t the Gators bounce back from an embarrassing loss and put on a better performance.
One thing became clear to me on Saturday: I am not impressed by this Gators football team. At all.
Forget CJ Henderson’s pick six in the fourth quarter. Forget Tyrie Cleveland’s 63-yard touchdown catch. Forget Brandon Powell diving into the end zone to give the Gators a 10-point lead.
That game was really bad. A great ending doesn’t make up for how terrible both teams were. I mean, it was 6-3 after three quarters. UF punted five times in that span, and running back Lamical Perine ended another drive with a fumble. Just take a look at the stats; Tennessee led in passing yards, rushing yards and first downs, despite trailing for most of the game.
So forget the few good plays the Gators had on Saturday. They still have a lot of work to do.
Tennessee was practically handing Florida the game by throwing interceptions and missing field goals, and the Gators still couldn’t capitalize.
They allowed Tennessee to remain in that game, and the offense couldn’t stay on the field long enough to give the defense a break. It showed through missed tackles and the Volunteers’ ability to move the ball in the fourth quarter. Tennessee had the ball for 32:45 compared to the Gators’ 27:15. After Florida’s opening drive, its longest possession was 3:46.
Almost all of UF’s flaws were on display this weekend, showing that the team still has a long way to go before it’s ready to take on the harder bulk of its schedule. Don’t get me wrong, this win should help with the team’s confidence, but Florida still has a lot to work on.
Something clearly isn’t working, and McElwain and his team need to figure it out fast. It shouldn’t have taken over seven quarters for this offense to score its first touchdown of the season.
You can follow Jake Dreilinger on Twitter @DreilingerJake, and contact him at jdreilinger@alligator.org.
UF running back Malik Davis (20) runs with the ball during Florida's 26-20 win against Tennessee on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
