Florida Gators -- Week #4

Wow! And I'm not even talking about Samantha Steele. That 48-10 win at Kentucky was played as well as I thought I would see the Gators play all year!

Offensive line, solid. John Brantley, solid. Receivers, solid. Running backs, amazing!

Defensive line, although they disappeared for a short stints, better than "solid." Linebackers, solid. Secondary...*drumroll*... solid!

Special teams, solid.

With such a young team (only 34 juniors and seniors combined) playing their first road SEC game, I could not have been more impressed, especially with how the game started. Their first two drives began at their own 12 and 8 yard lines, respectively. Kentucky's crowd and defense were bringing it. But after punting twice, the Gators were able to force and recover a fumble on Kentucky's second possession. After that, it was like a Piranha feeding frenzy. First play after the fumble, 45 yard touchdown pass, followed by a three and out by Kentucky inside their own 10 yard line. After receiving the ball on their own 42 yard line, 4 Gator plays later, touchdown. Next Kentucky possession, interception returned to the Kentucky 28 yard line. 2 plays later, the Gators scored their third touchdown in 4:02 of game time (2:08 of possession time). The rout was on.

The only glaring negative for the team was turnovers. But even there was a silver lining. Two of the turnovers were made by freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel. After subbing in for Brantley when he left for a short time due to injury, Driskel lost a fumble while in the pocket which led to Kentucky's only touchdown. Driskel then threw an interception in his next series while the Gators were driving to put points on the board at the end of the first half. The silver lining? Well, first, I'm glad he was able to make those mistakes in a 31-3 game. Second, he came back in at the end of the third quarter and finished out the game, gaining valuable experience on the road against an SEC opponent.

I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to next week's game against Alabama, nor to the entire October schedule, but it might just be the wake-up call we need to keep from becoming TOO over confident. Of course, it could also be the first indicator that this year will be far more special than anyone thought was realistic!

Just Joe