[2022]UF W1: An Ugly Win Is Still A Win

[Weeze]

Morgan Neal 19 for 34, 155 yards, 2TDs, 0 Int.

 

An Ugly Win Is Still A Win;

Florida Topple Kent State 14-9 in the Swamp.

The Florida Gators opened the season Yesterday afternoon hosting the Kent State Golden Flashes. The home crowd had plenty of sun, but unfortunately the orange and blue faithful were gifted a low scoring affair. In an ugly win, the Gators came out on top 14-9.

"It wasn't pretty, it wasn't the game we were hoping to have... but it is a long season and this is a good first step and we can learn a lot from this. Every win matters. The goal is Championships. You get there by winning every game you can, even the ugly ones."

Coach Weeze said in his post game press conference.

"Especially the ugly ones. We need to take a step back and see what we did well on offense and what we need to change, defensively, i couldn't be prouder of how well those men bent, but didn't break."

Defensively, it is true, the Gators did bend, but they didn't break. On the ground they allowed 225 yards, but through the air, only 77 yards, with a 36% completion percentage. They allowed one rushing touchdown where the extra point was missed, and a field goal. Keion Ernsberger managed 109 yards on 17 attempts and Jalen Armah managed 73 yards on 12 attempts and 1 touchdown. Both Kent States Quarterback and running back, respectively, managed better than 6 yards per attempt. While they will need to solidify the run game going forward, it is good to see the secondary stand strong as well as the unit as a whole keep the opponent under ten despite how well they were able to try to grind them down.

On Offense, the Gators might need to go back to the drawing board. Morgan Neal wasn't the most accurate QB in the world, but he was clean. He kept the ball in Florida's hands and did his best to keep the team moving forward, even recovering a fumble on one occasion. As the first half came to a close, he made a critical play that allowed the Gators finally get on the board. Neal would Finish the day 19 of 33(56%) for 155 yard, with 2 touchdowns. He also ran once for 6 yards. The rushing attack for the Gators was less of a standout than the Golden Flashes, but Sam Haynes still had a fairly decent day rushing for 111 yards. He didn't score on the ground, but he did catch one for a touchdown.

Next Week, Florida gets to host the visiting Maryland Terrapins. Maryland is coming off a good win against EMU. They are also a lot more balanced than Kent State so the coaching staff are going to have their hands full getting their squad ready for a tough team.

[TheProfessional]

where did you find the stats from the game?

[Weeze]

@TheProfessional https://www.simfba.com/index.php?threads/week-1-saturday-noon.3477/