The Gators accomplished the majority of the week two goals, but had two significant injuries. A 45 - 0 win with 15 true freshman seeing game action (several played significant snaps) is always a good thing. Losing CJ Henderson and Kadarius Toney, however, was a high price to pay. Toney’s injury looks to be the more severe with a 6 to 8 week recovery expected. The Henderson loss, even for just four weeks, is the bigger concern. The Florida receivers group is deep and talented. Toney may be the most dynamic, but there are several other playmakers to take up the slack. Jacob Copeland may emerge. The depth for the Gators at cornerback is much thinner. Henderson’s absence will mean important roles for a couple of (talented) freshmen. Even if Florida moves Trey Dean to the boundary cornerback position, freshmen Jaden Hill, Kair Elam, and/or Chester Kimbrough will be needed in the rotation.
Turning to the good news, the defense was just as dominant as expected and the offense, after a slow start, was productive. Special teams, as is almost always the case, were excellent. Feleipe Franks completed all but two of his passes and one of the two incompletions was a half-ending heave to the endzone. Some gator fans have set the bar very high for Franks. He wasn’t perfect, by any means, but he managed the offense and made most of the right throws. While the running game was inconsistent in the first half, the overall stats looked good. The Gators just haven’t been able, in obvious running situations, to get a surge between the tackles. This could be an issue in upcoming SEC games.
Additional good news in red zone success (5 for 5) and in the number of penalties (just three). Florida made every placekick and netted a plus 50 on their only punt. Even allowing for the softer competition level, The Gators played cleaner and sharper than in the Miami game.
It’s difficult to draw significant conclusions from a game like this one, but other than the injuries, most of the Gators goals were accomplished. Next week in Lexington will be a much better measuring stick. Kentucky will be the season’s first true away game. The Wildcats are also 2 - 0 and beat Florida in Gainesville last year. Florida will be happy they do not have to see Benny Snell or Josh Allen this year, but Kentucky is still a very solid team under Coach Mike Stoops. The Gators also benefit from the absence (injury)of Wildcat quarterback, Terry Wilson. As is often the case, the game may come down to turnover differential and special teams play.
