As expected, Florida rolled to an easy 52-3 victory Saturday night.  The outcome was never in doubt, and the coaching staff was able to clear out the bench starting early in the 3rd quarter with a 45-3 lead.  While the score wasn’t close, it was obvious that the team’s focus wasn’t as sharp as last week, as I’m sure many were thinking ahead to this week’s huge game at Auburn.

The Gator offense looked sluggish at times, even while amassing over 500 yards of total offense.  The running game lacked the power I expected to see, with Jaden Baugh’s 75 yard TD run the only real highlight.  The best development was the continued sharp play of Aaron Philo in the passing game, as he threw for 242 yards and 2 TDs.  It was good to see WR Dallas Wilson utilized more often, as he racked up 104 yards and a TD.  The O-line was unimpressive in it’s run blocking, and that has to improve markedly for Florida to have any real chance at success going forward.  Losing the time of possession battle to the Camels was unacceptable.

The Gator defense was solid, allowing only 210 total yards and holding Campbell to 5-18 on 3rd down attempts.  The D-line looked better as they should have against an outmatched opponent, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in terms of getting push at the point of attack.  The secondary was unchallenged most of the night, but there still were a few instances of soft coverage on some intermediate and flat routes that have to get corrected.

The real highlights came from Florida’s special teams.  VB3 had 2 punt return TDs, matching Quez Green’s game against Kentucky in 1996.  Patrick Durkin made his only FG attempt and all 9 of his kickoffs were touchbacks.  Florida’s coverage units have not been tested at all in the first 2 games, and won’t have that luxury starting this week – I hope they are ready.

Overall, a good game, and importantly no significant injuries were sustained.  Coach Sumrall did not look happy after the game, and for good reason – the mental game was lacking the entire second half, and that can’t be allowed to become the norm.  The prelims are over – it’s time for the real season to begin.