STAGGERING STATISTIC: The Gators were gashed for 303 rushing yards by Kentucky last week. In addition to the touchdown return and two huge plays against the CSU punt unit, Swain also had a 22-yard punt return into Rams' territory that set up one of UF's offensive touchdowns in the second quarter. The UF coach has kept his word, what with some of his best players woven into the kicking game. IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After three seasons of being virtually ignored under the previous coaching staff, Mullen vowed that special teams would not only matter again at Florida, but be treated with an emphasis no different than the offense and defense. The Gators should feel good about this one for the next day or so, then refocus on everything as they prepare to get back into Southeastern Conference play.
Yes, it was Colorado State and a Mountain West opponent, but the Rams came in with a very good offense and put it up against a UF defense that was trampled in last week's loss against Kentucky and came out of that game mentally wounded with its head coach questioning the team's overall toughness. WHAT IT MEANS: The Gators just needed a victory, period. Carta-Samuels to tight end Trey McBride, but Swain ripped off his big return - tying for the fourth-longest in school history - barely a minute into the final period to make the score 34-10. The Rams scored 10 unanswered points, getting a 53-yard field goal by Wyatt Bryan and 48-yard touchdown pass from K.J. Tailback Jordan Scarlett had a 30-yard touchdown run that marked UF's first rushing TD by a back this season, but true freshman Dameon Pierce one-upped his upperclassmen with a 68-yard touchdown run with just over six minutes to go. Early in the first half, it was Josh Hammond who got to CSU punter Ryan Stonehouse and forced a fumble that led to the first of Evan McPherson'stwo field goals, and Amari Burney who blocked a Stonehouse punt in the second quarter that Tyrie Cleveland fell on in the end zone for a 27-0 second-quarter lead. Quarterback Feleipe Franks threw incomplete on his first six passes, but had an 18-yard touchdown pass to Swain in the second quarter and 38-yard score to Van Jeffersonin the fourth. The UF offense accounted for four touchdowns, the defense forced three turnovers, and special teams also thwarted a pair of punt attempts, one blocked and recovered for a touchdown. They did so with contributions from all three phases, with none bigger than those of the UF special teams, most notably an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown by Freddie Swainthat put the game away in the fourth quarter. That the game turned into a rout was a bonus. UF's wide receiver, tight end, running back, defensive line and linebacker positions remain unchanged from a week ago.WHAT HAPPENED: The Gators bounced back Saturday from last week's disappointing loss to Kentucky. Henderson is scarce, but Florida will work some different players at cornerback this week in practice to provide some much-needed depth. With Wilson's injury in the defensive backfield, the Gators will turn to Trey Dean III and Brian Edwards to fill the void. Also, previously suspended defensive lineman Cece Jefferson is expected to if he continues to live up to the "Gators Standard." McWilliams will be available this weekend for the first time this season. However, Coach Dan Mullen is hopeful that injured linebacker David Reese and defensive back C.J. In addition to the game, UF had a couple of loss to its roster after the weekend as running back Adarius Lemons announced that he is transferring and defensive back Marco Wilson was lost for the season with a knee injury. native is also the Gators leading rusher with 78 yards on 16 carries.įlorida (1-1, 0-1 SEC) fell to Kentucky last weekend, 27-16. Redshirt sophomore Feleipe Franks remains Florida's starting quarterback as totaled 451 passing yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception through two games this season. – The Gators released their depth chart on Monday for their final home game in the month of September against Colorado State this weekend.