In an up and down performance, Florida ground out a satisfying 36-28 win over a persistent Virginia team. The Gators should be happy to get their 11th win of the season in a “New Year’s Six” bowl game. While Virginia wasn’t a marquee matchup, they were the ACC’s second-best team (behind Clemson) and certainly a tough and poised opponent.

Florida highlights included a big day for Gator senior, Lemichael Perine. 138 rushing yards, 43 receiving yards, and three touchdowns will improve his stock in the NFL draft. Kyle Trask and Damian Pierce also had high yards per carry numbers. The offensive line was good, even in obvious running situations. On the defensive side of the ball, Florida played with high energy and effort throughout. Holding a dynamic dual-threat quarterback to a net 24 rushing yards was impressive. Evan McPherson, who should have been the all-SEC kicker this year, drilled three field goals including a 50 yarder. Just four penalties for 40 yards, even compared to Virginia’s three for 14, was good for the Gators.

There were a few low points for Florida. The secondary, excepting Kiar Elam’s late interception, were often outplayed by the Virginia receivers. The Gator’s 4th quarter bend but don’t break approach wasn’t very successful and distorted the statistics. The Florida receivers blocked well, but had several uncharacteristic dropped balls. Finally, the Gators wasted first half timeouts by failing to get their personnel packages on and off the field timely.

Dan Mullen’s confidence in going for (and getting) two fourth-down conversions on his own end of the field was significant. Both extended drives ended in points for Florida. Mullen also used Emory Jones very effectively. As is usually the case, the Gators leveraged superior depth to be fresh enough to execute well late. The game was closer than it should have been, but this version of Florida has the poise to win anyway.

The senior leadership on this Florida team will be hard to replace. David Reese, Jon Greenard, and CJ Henderson are all leaders on defense. The four senior receivers and Perine are the heart of the Gator offense. It will be interesting to see who steps up on each side of the ball next year.

Up next for Florida is closing out the 2020 recruiting class with six more strong athletes, including a top running back, a dynamic receiver, and a safety. Early indications are that CJ Henderson may be the only Gator leaving early for the NFL draft. Greenard was awarded a 6th year for medical hardship, but isn’t likely to stay. Keeping this coaching staff intact thru the “silly season” is another goal. Next up is Eastern Washington on September 5th in the Swamp.