The Florida Gators coasted past Florida Atlantic to open the 2021 season on Saturday. While the victor was never in doubt, there was much to be improved on by the team wearing white at home for the first time in twenty years.
The Gators finished off the 35-14 victory, but appeared to play into a potential quarterback controversy.
Emory Jones was not sharp in his first start under center, finishing 17-27 for 113 yards, a touchdown, and a pair of interceptions. Anthony Richardson took over in the fourth and provided a spark that led to a few touchdown drives.
The Gators got on the scoreboard early as Dameon Pierce found the end zone less than five minutes into the game.
Florida then added to it with a Jones pass to Rick Wells before the end of the first quarter.
However, that was all the Gators offense was able to muster up in the first half.
Dameon Pierce scored in the third to make it 21-0 before Richardson led a pair of touchdown drives in the final period.
As a team, Florida rushed for 400 yards and accumulated 553 of total offense against the Owls.
The Florida defense underwent a bend but don’t break mentality early, capitalizing on mistakes by the FAU offense. They kept the Owls shut out until the 4th quarter. Additionally, the Gators recovered two fumbles and came away with six sacks.
Team Stats:
- First Downs: 26
- Total Yards: 553
- Passing Yards: 153
- Rushing Yards: 400
- 3rd Down (O): 10-16
- 3rd Down (D): 5-12
- Penalties: 9-91
- Time of Poss.: 30:13
What’s Next:
Florida will travel to Tampa to take on a bad South Florida team next week. The game is scheduled for 1:00 PM from Raymond James Stadium.