The Florida Gators accomplished their goal of having their 23 seniors and coach Will Muschamp leave The Swamp victorious in their final home game of the year as Florida beat Eastern Kentucky 52-3 Saturday.
Red shirt junior quarterback Jeff Driskel, who went 9 for 11 and threw for 164 yards, said it was rewarding to send Muschamp out with a win on what he knew was going to be an emotional game.
“As players we really appreciate what coach has done for us and we love playing for him and love him as a person. It’s tough, but at the end of the day we are happy that he came out of the Swamp with us.”
The offense struggled in the beginning of the game with starting quarterback Treon Harris only completely one of four passes in the first quarter; the first points on the board were from a 48 yard field goal from Austin Hardin. Soon after Kelvin Taylor ran for 13 yards to put six more on the board and the extra point being good, the Gators had scored 10 points with just 18 yards of total offense. The Colonels answered back with a career high field goal of 51 yards from Andrew Lloyd.
Eastern Kentucky tried to complicate things, employing all types of fake punts and kicks but it seemed like Florida was well prepared, and Muschamp said he thought that the team had responded well to all situations.
“We told our guys to be ready for whatever comes up, there’s going to be some things we aren’t prepared for, but you’re going to have to adjust on the fly and understand that.”
After a tight opening few minutes, it was all Florida as the Gators scored 42 unanswered points incorporating a total of four quarterbacks and stand out performances from receivers Demarcus Robinson and Quinton Dunbar, who both finished with over 100 receiving yards in the contest. Robinson’s 703 yards receiving this season is the most by a UF wide receiver since 2007.
On defense, Florida senior linebacker Michael Taylor says his unit did its job.
“It’s good because the (EKU) defense is on the field getting tired and the offense is on the field moving the ball while we’re off the field making adjustments to the three plays that they ran. Anytime you’re on the sideline you can make adjustments to keep the other team off the field that’s good as long as you get three and out”.
Fan favorite and senior Mike McNeely came into the game in the fourth quarter to catch a 28 yard pass from Driskel for his first offensive touchdown. Muschamp commends McNeely’s involvement on the team.
“Mike’s been a guy that’s done a fantastic job for us on special teams and everyone points to the fake against Georgia but he’s been a really good cover guy for us on punt, kick off, and kick off return he’s done a great job.”
Emotions were high as the entire team walked to the band and started a “Champ” chant praising their head coach. As for after the game, confidence was not missing as the Gators look to end the regular season with a win at unbeaten Florida State.
Linebacker Alex McCalister thinks the team’s chances are good.
“I love my chances, I love our chances. I mean the whole team is clicking, we got a win and we are going to go from there.”
Florida is the last team to beat Florida State back in 2012. Florida had a big win in the Swamp for one last time this year, but it would be a somewhat ironic to end the Muschamp Era if the Gators could pull out another road win in Tallahassee.
To hear the audio of the quotes above click on the links below:
Jeff Driskel 1
Will Muschamp 2
Michael Taylor 1
Will Muschamp 5
Alex McCalister 4