With SEC play ramping up next weekend against Tennessee, the Florida Gators took care of business against FCS opponent McNeese State Saturday, 49-7.
Nine days after struggling on the ground in the season opener at Utah, Florida rushed for 327 yards with both Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne averaging more than seven yards a carry to lead the team.
The Gators opened the scoring with a Johnson touchdown from two yards out with 10:59 remaining in the first quarter. In all, Florida scored a rushing touchdown on each of their first five drives. Johnson found the endzone twice while QB Graham Mertz, Etienne, and freshman Treyaun Webb all recorded scores as well.
First career touchdown in the Orange and Blue for @w_treyaun ‼️
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 10, 2023
🖥️ https://t.co/DkOrR8JKD2 pic.twitter.com/naAZ0e1vjl
Mertz completed 14-17 attempts for 193 yards and finished his day with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Pearsall late in the third quarter.
Pearsall ened with six catches for 123 yards to lead the receiving corps. Johnson rushed for 119 while Etienne added 84 on the ground.
While the offense racked up 560 yards from scrimmage, the defense played lights out, allowing the Cowboys just 112 offensive yards.
Florida will take on No. 9 Tennessee next week. The Vols haven’t won in Gainesville since 2003, but have looked dominant in their two wins so far.