Tony Thomas
Author
Coming into the game against ninth-ranked Texas, the Florida Gators have not given their fans much to cheer about over their previous three games. 11 points per game, 287 yards of total offense per game and six turnovers. All losses.
Florida coach Billy Napier’s coaching seat has exploded into a fireball. A gruesome gridiron sight in Gainesville.
On Saturday, however, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, from Willis, TX, displayed guts and poise while hobbling on one leg. Apparently, the Texas recruiters could not find Willis on a Texas map when it came time for Lagway to choose a college destination.
Lagway made Texas pay for that gross negligence Saturday in a 29-21 victory over the Longhorns in Gainesville.
Dominant First half
On Saturday against the Longhorns, the Gators came out swinging and took 7-0 lead early with a 13 play, 84-yard drive. With a good balance of run and pass, Florida kept Texas on their heels. Later in the first quarter, the Gators added a field goal to increase their lead to 10-0. That is the most points allowed in the first half by the Texas defense this season.
Florida (2-3) would score another touchdown on a Lagway to Dallas Wilson pitch and catch. In addition, a blocked punt that rolled out of the endzone for two points increased their dominant lead to 19-7 going into halftime.
And what a dominant first half it was for Florida: 17 first downs, converted 5-of-8 on third downs and gained 263 yards of total offense.
By contrast, the Texas offense posted these junior varsity numbers: five first downs, 1-of-5 on 3rd down and 87 total yards of offense. Texas quarterback Arch Manning continued to struggled as he completed 6-of-12 passes for 63 yards and a TD.
Gators Defense Makes Statement
Apparently, any inspiring halftime speech delivered by coach Steve Sarkisian fell on deaf ears. The Longhorns offense continued to sputter and stall and forced a punt on their first two possessions of the second half.
Manning was under constant pressure all day, which affected his throwing mechanics. His passes were either overthrown or underthrown and some of his passes were not thrown because he was sacked six times.
Lagway, on that one good leg, was better than his healthy counterpart: 298 yards, two TDs, 75 percent completion rate and one INT. Florida true freshman receiver Wilson caught six passes for 111 yards and both of Lagway’s TD passes.
Manning, who turned the ball over twice (two INTs), threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns. He completed just 55 percent of his passes.
The Longhorns scored a late touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late. Texas (3-2) went down in defeat in their Southeastern Conference opener for their second loss of the season. A stagnant offense, only 52 yards on the ground left Texas one-dimensional, penalties (10 for 70 yards) and the sacks were the culprit.
In frustration, Bevo stuck one of his long horns in the collective keester of the visitors on their way back to the team bus.
Next up for Texas is Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry next Saturday. Florida travels to College Station, TX to battle the Aggies of Texas A&M on Oct. 11.
Tony Thomas
Author
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