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Here are some quick thoughts on Florida’s improbable 28-27 win against Tennessee:
What it means: The biggest win in the Jim McElwain era is in the bag, the Gators extended their win streak over the Vols to 11 straight and Florida is in good position in the SEC East race.
What I liked: The way Florida responded to Tennessee’s attempt at a death blow in the fourth quarter. The Vols put together an impressive 16-play, 70-yard TD drive that drained 7:26 off the clock and put them up 27-14. However, the Gators responded with an equally impressive 17-play, 86-yard TD drive that spanned 6:10 to cut the deficit to 27-21. Florida defined coming through when it matters most. The Gators were 5-for-5 on fourth downs, making them an incredible 10-for-10 for the season.
What I didn’t like: The Tennessee coaches were brilliant in using two trick plays to take advantage of Florida’s aggressive defense in the early going. Both plays swung the momentum after an impressive 4-play, 70-yard TD drive put Florida up 7-0. The Vols attempted to rectify the two-touchdown lead they gave away to the Sooners with a great drive towards the end of the game against the Gators but let another late lead slip away in a devastating loss.
Who’s the man: It didn’t look like it for much of the game, but you have to give it to Will Grier. He misfired on several throws, not stepping into several, namely on his interception to LaDarrell McNeil in Vols territory. Grier looked very much like a redshirt freshman, staring down his receivers and not throwing the ball away when he needed to. With that said, Grier came through with big plays in the end (3-for-3, 89 yards, TD on fourth downs on the last two scoring drives), but he has a lot of improving to do.
Key play(s): On fourth-and-14 from its own 37-yard line, Will Grier found receiver Antonio Callaway, who caught a short pass and took it 63 yards down the sideline for a touchdown that provided the winning margin with 1:26 left.
What’s next: Florida will look to improve to 3-0 in SEC play when they host Ole Miss in The Swamp next Saturday.
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
