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  • WSOC: Gators Extend Win Streak to Six

    WSOC: Gators Extend Win Streak to Six

    Florida remains unbeaten in SEC play

    Photo by Kristen Oliff / ChompTalk.com

    The orange and blue are red hot.

    Florida (8-4) continued SEC play on Sunday when they hosted No. 12 Texas A&M (9-2-2), who was also on a five-match win streak. The Gators came out victorious in the battle of the streaking conference teams, though, defeating the Aggies 3-1.

    Summary

    First Half

    The Gators had a week off since they traveled to Music City and silenced No. 15 Vanderbilt. It seemed the rest served them well, as Florida took a very early lead.

    In the sixth minute, the always-dangerous Kit Loferski was making a trademark long run down the flank when she was slide tackled in the box by an Aggie defender. The referee awarded a penalty, and midfielder Madison Alexander converted from the spot for her first goal of the season.

    A clever individual skill produced a second Florida goal just 13 minutes later when Sammie Betters delivered a searching through ball up to the forwards. Cassidy Lindley saw the pass coming, and let it run through her legs for Vanessa Kara to meet on her way toward the goal. Kara then skipped the ball over A&M’s diving keeper and into the net to put the Gators up 2-0.

    The remainder of the first half saw both teams struggle for good chances, and they entered the break with a shot count in Florida’s favor of 4-2.

    Second Half

    The Aggies began the second half looking like the better team. They possessed the ball in and around the Gators’ box often, but could not get a goal for their efforts.

    However, the Gators, who were the more efficient attacking team on the evening, built on their lead in the 66th minute. Betters again provided an assist to the goal machine that is Kara. Betters slid a through ball by the right side of the box to find Kara six yards away from the net. Kara coolly placed the ball past the keeper for her eighth goal in her last six games.

    The Aggies would keep themselves alive, though, when they got on the board in the 73rd minute. After some slick dribbling in the box, junior forward Taylor Ziemer released a shot that was too much for Florida goalkeeper Susi Espinoza to handle.

    Senior A&M forward Ally Watt, the team’s leading scorer this season, had some shots in the final minutes of the game, but could not change the scoreline. Despite the Aggies having twice as many shots as Florida, the Gators were deserved, 3-1 victors.

    Outlook for the Gators

    Sunday’s victory marks six in a row for Burleigh’s squad. Kara says the team chemistry is a driving force of the streak.

    “[Last year] the chemistry was something that kind of held [the team] back, and I think [this season] it is something that pushes us forward,” said Kara, “Our players are great, but are chemistry is better.”

    Florida has six games left, and all are against SEC opponents. Their next match is Thursday against Ole Miss (7-3-2).

    The Gators are undefeated in conference play (4-0) so far and trail only South Carolina in the SEC East standings.

    Forward Deanne Rose and freshman midfielder Ava Kuyken both missed the Aggies clash, but they are expected to return to the team this week.

  • Gators Make A Statement On Homecoming

    Gators Make A Statement On Homecoming

    Photo by James Gilbert / Getty Images

    The Florida alumni made their annual homecoming pilgrimage to Gainesville this weekend for what was supposed to have been a foregone conclusion, at least to many members of the national sports media. Although the Gators entered the game as two-point underdogs, they were clearly the better team on Saturday evening.

    The homecoming festivities included a parade, the annual Gator Growl pep rally and concert, a visit from ESPN’s College Gameday, being featured as the SEC on CBS Primetime Game of the Week, and culminated with a top ten clash between the Gators and the Auburn Tigers. Fans arrived before kickoff and helped to set the tone of the game from the onset.

    With the crowd fully involved, Jonathan Greenard blew by the Tigers’ offensive line and welcomed true freshman quarterback Bo Nix with a bone crushing hit that was reminiscent of Brandon Spikes mauling Knowshon Moreno. From that moment on, Nix was rattled.

    Following a 300 plus yard performance against Mississippi State last weekend, Auburn’s young signal caller was stymied by Florida’s monstrous defense. Many questioned how the Gators would handle the dual threat abilities of Nix, but Florida had answers to those. Nix finished the game 11/27 for 145 yards, – the bulk of which came on two plays – a touchdown, and three interceptions.

    The mobile quarterback recorded 10 carries for a paltry 1.8 yards per carry average. Similarly, the Tigers’ vaunted rushing attack was limited to just 124 yards on the day. Although they only recorded a pair of sacks and three tackles for loss, Florida’s defense was a a disruptive force that spent much of the evening in the backfield. The Gators forced Auburn into six three and out possessions, making a statement of their dominance.

    On the offensive side of the ball, the Gators moved the ball with relative ease and, if not for fumbling the ball away four times, might have blown the Tigers out. As it were, the team’s traded four turnovers a piece on the way to a 24-13 outcome.

    Kyle Trask led the passing attack well, turning in a two touchdown, 234 yard performance that was helped out on the Gators’ first possession by a spectacular run after the catch by Freddie Swain. The talented receiver hauled the pass in and weaved his way through the defense for a 64-yard touchdown, putting the Gators on top for good. Swain posted career highs in catches and total yardage with six and 146, respectively.

    It wasn’t all good for Trask and the Gators. Trask fumbled the ball away three different times and took a violent sack when he failed to pick up the blitz assignment. The home crowd found themselves holding their collective breath near the end of the second quarter when Tigers’ defensive lineman, Marlon Davidson rolled up on Kyle Trask’s knee.

    Already on their “backup” quarterback, the Gators looked on as Trask lay on the field, clutching his knee. Moments later, he walked off the field and went to the locker room. Emory Jones filled in nicely in his absence, but it wasn’t long before Trask reemerged wearing a knee brace. The redshirt junior completed the game while nursing a minor MCL sprain.

    Florida is still struggling to assert themselves in the running game. Dameon Pierce, who has seemed to be able provide some semblance of a downhill run, left the game after his only carry. He took a helmet-to-helmet shot that was deemed to be a legal hit, but he was done for the day, following the play.

    Lamical Perine turned in his best performance of the season, recording 14 carries for 130 yards and a score. The 9.3 yard per carry average was heavily bolstered by his 88 yard touchdown. When accounting for the yards lost on the sacks taken by Trask, Florida ended the day with 132 yards rushing.

    With the win, the Gators asserted that they belong in the top ten. Whether they win pretty or not is of no concern. What matters is that they are winning. Florida has faced all kinds of adversity as we they reach the midpoint of their season, and they have overcome.

    They’ve passed the first test but the next one will be even more difficult, as they travel to Baton Rouge for another top ten battle next weekend. That game will require a defensive performance that is at least as good as the one they turned in on Saturday night, and that they play with much better ball security.

    For now, the Gators can enjoy a statement victory, as they remain undefeated and extend the SEC’s longest active winning streak to 10 games. For now, all of their goals remain in front of them. For now, it’s great to be a Florida Gator.

  • FB: 4-star OT Issiah Walker commits to Florida

    FB: 4-star OT Issiah Walker commits to Florida

    Photo by Andrew Ivins / 247Sports

    Florida football picked up a massive commitment just prior to kickoff against No. 7 Auburn.

    Miami (Norland) product Issiah Walker announced his commitment via Twitter on Saturday.

    Walker had previously been committed to South Carolina, but chose to de-commit on July 2.

    Walker has made several trips to UF, including camping at Florida’s annual Friday Night Lights event.

    The 6’4, 309 lb OT is rated as a 4-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle. 247Sports has Walker ranked as the No. 119 overall prospect and No. 13 offensice tackle.

    Check out this cool moment caught by Joseph Salvador:

  • MBB: Gators land 2020 4-star SF Samson Ruzhentsev

    MBB: Gators land 2020 4-star SF Samson Ruzhentsev

    Photo via Fiba / 247Sports

    Florida head coach Mike White received some good news Friday afternoon. 2020 4-star SF Samson Ruzhentsev announced via Twitter that he was committed to joining the program next season.

    Ruzhentsev provides a solid 3&D option with a 6’7, 210 lb frame and will likely earn quality minutes as a freshman.

    The Chattanooga (TN) Hamilton Heights standout visited UF last weekend and admitted his decision came down to Florida and Ole Miss.

    247Sports has Ruzhentsev ranked as the No. 53 prospect in the 2020 cycle. He’s also ranked as the No. 14 small forward.

  • Staff Predictions: Florida vs Auburn

    Staff Predictions: Florida vs Auburn

    Photo by James Gilbert / Getty Images

    It’s homecoming week. After the parade and Gator Growl, Florida football will engage in a massively important game against cross-division rival, Auburn. To highlight the importance of this matchup, ESPN’s College Gameday will be making their way to campus for the first time since 2012.

    The following are our staff predictions for the game:

    Michael Pfeffer:

    Auburn is getting all of the attention heading into this game. I’ll admit, they looked impressive against Miss State last weekend. Bo Nix threw for over 300 yards, the Bulldogs were gashed in the running game, and the Tigers’ defense looked rock solid. There’s just one thing… Florida isn’t Miss State. The Gators lead Auburn in nearly every defensive statistical category and Auburn’s weak points just happen to match up with Florida’s strengths. Combine that with a raucous homecoming crowd in the Swamp and I like the Gators to win this contest. Florida wins 24-17.

    Ainslie Lee:

    Typically I look forward to writing these game predictions. This one? Not so much. I’m struggling with this one. It’s frustrating. I see a lot to love from both teams. Auburn’s performance against Mississippi State last week was impressive — yet, then again, the Bulldogs defense is porous. Malzahn’s Tigers have yet to see a defensive threat similar to the one Florida poses. I was able to meet with Florida’s DT Kyree Campbell in one of the most entertaining interviews ever on Monday. Nonetheless, I learned one thing: the defense is jacked on this game. I think they will be ready — and for that reason, I give the Gators a shot. Between the noise in The Swamp and an energized defense, Bo Nix is in trouble. To get the job done, the Gators’ defense will have to play 60 minutes of great football. That means forcing turnovers, staying in gaps and not missing tackles. If they do that, they win the football game. If they win the football game, the entire country will be talking about the Gators. I’ve got Florida travelling to Death Valley with six wins in their pocket. 24-17, Gators.

    Brandon Buckman:

    With both teams heading into the matchup 5-0 and top 10 in the nation, it is fair to say that the winner of this contest will be putting their name into playoff contention. Auburn has had three very impressive wins this season, including wins over 13th-ranked Oregon and 25th-ranked Texas A&M, including a 56-point outburst over Mississippi State. For the Gators, they have not allowed a touchdown since September 14th against Kentucky. This game will be highly intense, and just like last year’s homecoming game, Florida will come up short. Gators will fall to 5-1, losing to Auburn 31-18.

    Mark Stine:

    This top-10 matchup is going to come down to three factors: run defense, quarterback pressure and turnovers.
    Both teams enter this matchup with stable, yet inexperienced quarterbacks, so a big advantage can be had if the security blanket that is a rushing offense can be taken away.
    Florida’s defense and Auburn’s offense are at odds, as the Gators rank second in the SEC in rush defense (86.8 yards per game), while the Tigers are second in rushing offense (251.0 yards per game). These two will neutralize each other, but UF’s red zone defense (No. 1 in SEC, 38.5 percent scoring rate) will prevail when it matters.
    The Gators and Dan Mullen are used to utilizing the short passing game to compensate for its sparse ground attack (11th in SEC, 141.4 yards per game), and they’ll take advantage of Auburn’s shaky pass defense (9th in SEC, 225.0 yards per game).
    As far as quarterback pressure, both teams allow less than two sacks per game, but Florida has the SEC’s leading sack total at 24 (Auburn, 13).
    UF is also is third in the conference in turnover margin (0.8), and AU ranks last (-0.4).
    The Gators have the edge in all three critical categories, and they obviously have the home-field advantage. Auburn will keep it close regardless, but Florida prevails, 28-23.

    Brian Fox:

    This game will come down to the trenches. Both teams have solid front sevens, but the Gators O-Line has struggled, particularly with the ground game. I expect Mullen to gameplan around this fact with quick passes (ie slants, quick ins/outs, etc.), which should set up the deep ball.
    The Gators have struggled with tackling and they will need to clean that up in a major way against the ground attack that Auburn will utilize.
    I expect a low scoring game. Turnovers and field position will be important, but I see Florida coming away with a victory, 21-17.

    Florida and Auburn are set to kickoff at 3:30 PM. The game will be aired live on CBS. You can follow @MikeyPfeffer and @ChompTalk on Twitter for live updates. Also make sure to check out Own The Fourth Quarter featuring Michael and Will Miles of readandreaction.com.

    What are your predictions, Gator Nation? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter or Facebook.

  • Top Ten Clash In The Swamp: What To Expect

    Top Ten Clash In The Swamp: What To Expect

    Photo by James Gilbert / Getty Images

    For the first time since 2012, Gainesville will host ESPN’s flagship college football program, College Gameday. The traveling show will be in town to showcase the Gators homecoming game, a top ten clash with the seventh ranked Auburn Tigers.

    Although Auburn has received the lion’s share of hype entering this game, it would be a fatal error to count the Gators out. Florida ranks better than the Tigers in nearly every statistical category, and even though both teams are starting relatively inexperienced quarterbacks, the Gators’ Kyle Trask knows the system very well. Beyond that, Nix will be making his first appearance in the Swamp, an experience that promises to be jarring to say the least.

    With a perfect storm of homecoming, College Gameday, a top ten matchup, and being the CBS Primetime Game of the Week, I expect the fans to show up in a way that hasn’t been experienced in some time. Perhaps the closest comparison could be the Gators win over, then fifth-ranked, LSU last season.

    The Gators have faced much adversity this season, whether it be injuries or hard-fought ugly wins, they have shown grit and found a way to win every game. For the first time since week one, Florida will be at nearly full strength. The timing couldn’t be any better.

    Auburn boasts one of the best defensive fronts in the nation, one loaded with future NFL talent. Containing this unit will be a tall order for a Gators offensive line that has certainly taken some lumps this season. Dan Mullen and line coach, John Hevesy have really turned up the heat on the inexperienced unit and demanded more than what they’ve given up to this point.

    It will be interesting to see how they respond to being publically called out. Behind them has been a fledgling running game that might be showing some improvement. How much, remains to be seen and will likely be a major factor in Saturday’s game.

    Likewise, Auburn will be facing an elite pass rush and one of the nation’s best rushing defenses. Bo Nix has managed to get the job done for the Tigers up to now, but that credit could just as easily go to the Auburn defense. Either way, Nix will face an onslaught of pressure in an effort to force him into making the mistakes that true freshman quarterbacks are often prone to make.

    The Tigers are giving up 255 passing yards per game, a stat that absolutely swings in the Gators favor. In fact, each of Auburn’s weak points align with one of Florida’s strengths. As long as the Gators can apply pressure to Nix and contain the Tigers’ rushing attack, Florida stands a real chance at pulling off what most of the college pundits feel is an impossibility.

    As has been the case in just about every game this season, Florida’s chances live and die in the trenches. Call it optimism. Call it foolish hope. Call it whatever you’d like, but I’ve seen an intensity in the eyes of the players that hasn’t been there up to this point in the season. Dan Mullen and Todd Grantham will have the schemes in place to eliminate any threat from the Tigers. If the intensity on the players’ faces is any indication, they will come out ready to execute those schemes and make a statement.

    I am going against the grain and picking the Gators to win on Saturday. I believe it will be a close and low-scoring game, with the Gators coming out ahead, 24-17.

    Florida celebrates homecoming on Saturday afternoon, hosting the #7 Auburn Tigers. Television broadcast will be on CBS starting at 3:30 p.m. Make sure you show up to the game early and be in your seats making noise before kickoff!

  • VB: Marlie Monserez Named SEC Setter of the Week

    VB: Marlie Monserez Named SEC Setter of the Week

    Florida will travel to Lexington for an important matchup against No. 15 Kentucky on Sunday.

    Photo by Brian Fox / ChompTalk.com

    Florida Gators sophomore setter Marlie Monserez was named SEC Setter of the Week following her impressive showings against Auburn and Georgia.

    Monserez received this honor for the second time this season. She last won the award after the first week following games against No. 25 Louisville and Dayton.

    In those games, Monserez averaged 9.75 assists per set. However, against Auburn and Georgia, Monserez upped her output to 10.71 assists per set.

    Against Georgia, she gave a match-high 45 assists in four sets. In addition, she added two kills and two blocks.

    Last Friday, Monserez gave 30 assists, five kills and two blocks in the three-set sweep of the Tigers. In that match, the Gators crushed its opposition with a .427 hitting percentage.

    Overall on the season, Monserez averages 9.98 assists per set. That ranks her fourth in the SEC amongst her fellow setters. The 10.71 assists per set she’s averaged so far in the conference alone is good for fifth amongst SEC setters.

    What’s Next

    Next up, after nine matches at home, which have all resulted in wins, the Gators will travel to Lexington to face the No. 15 Wildcats. The Gators and Wildcats are two of the four teams still undefeated in the SEC (LSU, Ole Miss).

    Kentucky’s Alli Stumler was named the SEC Player of the Week and SEC Offensive Player of the Week. The Wildcats defeated Mississippi State and No. 19 Mizzou to open conference play.

    Florida and Kentucky is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tune in to ESPN 98.1 FM/850 AM WRUF for live coverage of the match.

    For more of the latest news, follow @JEricksonReport and @ChompTalk on Twitter.

  • Gators in the NFL: Week 4

    Gators in the NFL: Week 4

    Photo by Robin Alam / Getty Images

    Former Florida Gators shined in the defensive and special teams phases during Week 4 of the 2019 NFL season.
    One particular matchup, the Washington Redskins at the New York Giants, featured the most high-profile performances from Florida alumni.

    Janoris Jenkins (cornerback, New York Giants) and Quinton Dunbar (cornerback, Washington Redskins) each had two interceptions in the 24-3 Giants victory. Jenkins had four tackles (three solo), one batted pass in addition to his two picks, which proved critical for New York. Dunbar had three tackles (three solo) himself to go with his interceptions. Jon Bostic (linebacker, Washington Redskins) led all players in the contest with 11 tackles (five solo).

    Eddy Piñeiro (kicker, Chicago Bears) had a nice day kicking the ball in the Bears’ 16-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He converted all three of his field goal attempts and his lone point after attempt. Pinero didn’t have to deal with distance, as his longest attempt was only 38 yards.
    Other notable defensive performances came from Jarrad Davis (linebacker, Detroit Lions), Dante Fowler Jr. (linebacker, Los Angeles Rams) and Joe Haden (cornerback, Pittsburgh Steelers).
    Davis logged three tackles (three solo), including a tackle for loss in a 34-30 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, while Fowler collected four tackles (one solo) and another tackle for loss in the Rams’ 55-40 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Haden also picked up three tackles (three solo) and defended a pass in a 27-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals).

    Maurkice Pouncey (center, Pittsburgh Steelers) had a nice day on the offensive side of the ball in the Steelers’ victory. Pouncey and the Pittsburgh offensive line gave young quarterback Mason Rudolph a safe pocket, as the unit didn’t relinquish a sack. Rudolph went 24 for 28 with 229 yards and two touchdowns. Pouncey also recorded tackle on a Dionte Johnson fumble recovered by the Bengals.

    Demarcus Robinson (wide receiver, Kansas City Chiefs) had the most noteworthy offensive day of any former UF players. He caught four balls on nine targets for 35 yards (long of 15 yards) in the Chiefs’ 34-30 victory.
    The only other offensive performance worth mentioning came from Trey Burton (tight end, Chicago Bears), who caught two passes for 16 yards against Minnesota.

  • ICYMI: Mullen’s Monday Presser

    ICYMI: Mullen’s Monday Presser

    Photo by Carmen Mandato/ Getty Images

    We have reached the mid-point of the season and the Gators are staring down the barrel of a top ten matchup with the Auburn Tigers, they are being featured on the first episode of an HBO television series that just finished filming, oh, and it’s homecoming week, as well. With so much riding on this week, Florida will need to be dialed in.

    None the less, Dan Mullen met with the media on Monday afternoon because… business as usual.

    The Gators have been wracked with injuries thus far this season, but they will have five key players back in the fray, and just in time for Auburn. With several of those players having missed multiple weeks, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that there might be some rust built-up.

    “The guys that are veteran players, I don’t worry about as much,” Mullen said. “The key is just getting them back in the flow of practice and getting them the practice reps they need. You know, some of them… you know, I’m not going to say everybody’s a hundred percent, coming back into it but they’re going to be ready to play and [it’s up to] us getting them prepared throughout the week to be ready to be as close to a hundred percent, on Saturday, as possible.”

    The five players that are coming back are definitely guys that the Gators will be thankful to have at their disposal Saturday afternoon. Freddie Swain, Jawaan Taylor, Jabari Zuniga, CJ Henderson, and Ventrell Miller are each expected to contribute in Florida’s first top ten Gameday appearance since 2012. It goes without saying that having Henderson and Zuniga back in the defense could be a potential game changer for the Gators.

    Auburn will have one of the most talented defenses the Gators have faced all year. Dan Mullen has faced the Tigers’ defensive coordinator, Kevin Steele a few times during his career, lending some familiarity to what his schemes and his players bring to the table.

    “They’re always very very sound,” stated Mullen. “They’re going to be very aggressive. When you look at this defense, he’ll play to his strengths. You know, he’s a good enough coach to be able to play to his strengths and put guys in positions to be successful. They’ve probably got three guys that could have been high draft picks last year that came back. You know? That shows a lot about their program and where they’re at. We had guys leave… They had guys that came back that probably would’ve been drafted ahead of where our guys got drafted, that left early. So they have some talent. Especially up front on the defensive front. They can cause problems and They’re disruptive that way.”

    The Tigers are led by true freshman quarterback, Bo Nix, who was named the SEC Freshman of the Week this week. Although he has been a mixed bag so far this season – as you would expect from a true freshman – he performed quite well in Auburn’s dismantling of Miss State this past weekend. Mullen has spent some time evaluating the young signal caller’s skill set.

    “I think he’s come along. I remember watching all the high school film last year, I thought he was one of the better, if not the best, certainly one of the best high school quarterbacks coming out of the country last year, where we ranked him very close to the top,” said Mullen. “I think he’s handled it very well. He’s got talent and you just see, he’s already had to play in some big games, in big moments, and he’s handled that pretty well as a freshman.”

    Florida will be donning the throwback uniforms of the 60’s this weekend. Interestingly enough, the last time these particular uniforms were worn regularly, the Gators had another quarterback who wore the number 11. Kyle Trask will be harkening back to the days when Steve Spurrier was slinging the ball downfield for Florida. Mullen fielded a question about the logistics of getting a special uniform just for one game.

    “Yeah, I just saw it. It looks pretty cool,” Mullen retorted. “You know what? I’ll be honest with you. That’s probably something that, administratively, gets brought to my attention in the spring and at that time, I’m like, ‘Yeah, sounds like a great idea!’ and I haven’t thought one lick about it until someone told me we’re wearing throwback jerseys. I’m like, ‘Oh, we are? Ok, cool!’ So I probably signed off on it, said ‘that’s great,’ and have no recollection of doing so.”

    Other topics of discussion included the 2006 meeting with Auburn (Florida’s only loss), Mullen’s 2007 appendectomy on the night before facing Auburn in the Swamp, and the comments he made about the offensive line following last weekend’s blowout of Towson.

    “We’ve got to push buttons. I mean, I push plenty of buttons. Hevesy pushes lots of buttons,” Mullen said of his remarks. “I mean, we get after the guys. They’ve gotta know the sense of urgency. I think that’s the biggest one. You know what I mean? They’re not bad guys. They work hard. They’re good guys. They try to put in the time, but what they’ve gotta understand is what putting in the time means. I mean we’ve got to practice but, you guys, what are you doing when you leave here? What extra things are you doing to make sure that you’re improving? And making sure they know they need to do that because what they’re currently doing is not enough.”

  • Grading the Gators: Trask thrashes Towson

    Grading the Gators: Trask thrashes Towson

    Photo by James Gilbert / Getty Images

    Another dominating effort by quarterback Kyle Trask lifted the Gators to a 5-0 record, as he was unflappable against the Towson Tigers of the FCS. However, the entire Florida squad was not near-perfect like Trask, as each unit’s grades reveal their blemishes.

    Offense: A
    Fifteen for fifteen.
    No matter what sport you play, if you do something 15 out of 15 times, you made an impressive run. That’s why Kyle Trask’s 15-for-15 start against Towson — even though it’s an FCS opponent — was so masterful to watch.
    The quarterback did not need a series to warm up, as his aerial attack sliced through the Tigers’ defense, leading Florida to an opening-drive touchdown.
    That first touchdown was executed thanks to tight end Kyle Pitts’ mismatch with a safety five yards from the end zone. The Trask-Pitts connection is very real, as it garnered two more touchdowns on Saturday. And it’s really scary for opposing defenses who have to line up against the 6-foot-6, 240-pound behemoth.
    Despite finishing 18 for 20 with 188 yards and two touchdowns, Trask did exhibit his biggest vice: holding onto the football. He operates best when he’s in rhythm, timing his receiver’s routes with his dropbacks. However, he scans the field a little too long before resorting to his check-down or scrambling as shown by Towson’s three sacks.
    Emory Jones also ran the offense efficiently, going 6 for 8 and starting the fourth quarter with bullet passes to Jacob Copeland an Tyrie Cleveland for a combined 37 yards.
    Later in the drive, Jones hit tight end Keon Zipperer for a screen-pass touchdown. Zipperer, a freshman who is part of UF’s young Lakeland trio of players, showed his strength and athleticism, as he trucked and avoided defenders for three catches for 31 yards.
    As far as the run game is concerned, Dameon Pierce showed prowess, as he took just six carries for 84 yards and a touchdown. However, the Gators need to get Lamical Perine going. He’s averaging just 39.4 yards per game, a drastic change from 63.5 from last season.
    Yet, the Gators succeeded well against Towson without Perine’s success, reflected by a well-deserved A.

    Defense: C+
    How does a unit that held its opponent to ZERO points earn a barely passing grade? Luck.
    Yes, the Florida defense should feel very lucky that it pitched its second shutout of the season, as it allowed the Tigers to move the ball early and often.
    Towson quarterback Tom Flacco maneuvered his team just outside of the red zone on his first drive, converting two third downs in the process. However, a fumbled snap recovered by the Gators stifled the crusade.
    The Tigers marched to the UF 14 on their next drive, but they were not rewarded for their efforts thanks to a missed 30-yard field goal.
    While Florida’s defense shouldn’t have allowed so much offensive success, you have to give the Tigers credit. They executed their play calls well, as Flacco looked-off safeties to open up the middle of the field, found his third and fourth receivers and exploited UF with his running ability.
    Wide receiver Shane Leatherbury gave UF corner Trey Dean fits, as he caught all three targets for 57 yards when being covered by Dean.
    The defense did cause two interceptions, and freshman Jaydon Hill nearly had a third, but it let Towson be far too comfortable, especially in the first half.

    Special Teams: A-
    What is up with these short kickoffs by Evan McPherson?
    Ideally every kickoff would be a touchback, giving the opponent no chance of return. However, McPherson kicked the ball short of the goal line three times against Towson, which is concerning as he does have a powerful leg. The UF kickoff team did cover these short kicks well, but that may not be the case against higher-quality SEC opponents.
    That being said, you have to give McPherson credit for the one field goal he made, a 32-yarder. However, the real star of that play was punter Tommy Townsend, who held the ball steady after a low, ugly snap.
    Townsend also pinned the Tigers inside their 10 yard line on his only punt.
    Defensive lineman Adam Shuler showed his ability to form a one-man wall on field goals with his blocked kick in the fourth quarter.
    Overall, it was a nice day in the critical third phase for Florida, as McPherson’s kickoff woes were really the only negatives.

    Coaching: B+
    The grade for coaching could be lower because of how well Towson moved the ball on offense, but I’m going to give Todd Grantham and the defensive staff the benefit of the doubt.
    Towson is a well-coached team, and the Gators were missing a lot of players on defense. Preseason All-SEC talents CJ Henderson and Jabari Zuniga were sidelined in order to ensure they’d be healthy against Auburn. Safeties Shawn Davis and Jeawon Taylor were also scratches on Saturday, leaving the centerfield duties up to just Donovan Stiner and Brad Stewart.
    With freshmen Kaiir Elam, Chester Kimborough and Jaydon Hill getting a lot of time in the secondary, it’s easy to see why Grantham opted to play a decent amount of zone coverage, However, the UF defensive coordinator included a nice mix of blitzes, having success especially when he brought members of the secondary like Stiner and Dean.
    One must admire the offensive play script Mullen started the game with. Trask was in rhythm and got the ball out of his hands quickly from his first completion.
    You also have to love the mismatches created by splitting Pitts out wide. Really any position player, whether corner, safety or linebacker, is a mismatch for Pitts, but he’s at his most advantageous when he’s lined up in space against man-to-man coverage.
    Sensible play calling and borderline unfair schemes prevailed for the Florida offense Saturday.

    Mark Stine is a contributing writer for Chomp Talk. Follow him on Twitter @mstinejr.