“Saving Private Muschamp – Redemption”

On a cloudy Saturday in Gainesville, FL, the Florida Gators (6-5) defeated the Furman Paladins, also 6-5 in season play, in a 54 to 32 victory securing Bowl eligibility. In all actuality, this game was a football fanatic’s dream. The seemingly outmatched Gators coming back to win after their largest point deficit of their season sustained in the 1^st quarter (22 Paladins-7 Gators); if this had been against an Alabama, LSU, or even a formidable out of conference opponent like Oregon or (Should I say it?) Boise State, this victory would have been cause for a much needed victory celebration in Gainesville. However, this game was undoubtedly a far cry from the outcome anticipated and expected by UF football fans. Given the Gator’s dismal conference record of 3-5 in the SEC, many Gator fans were looking to HC Will Muschamp, OC Charlie Weiss, and DC Dan Quinn to deliver a stellar performance against a seemingly “lesser” team. Furman came to the Swamp with a clear “David vs. Goliath” mentality, and after watching the game, it was strikingly clear that the Paladins had come to play some serious football.

The 1^st quarter began with the Paladins kicking off to the Gators, and a return to the 27 yd. line by Andre Debose. By the 6^th play of the initial drive, much to the dismay of Gator Fans, Chris Rainey was limping towards the sideline injured. After Rainey’s injury, Gator QB John Brantley got the ball to Freshman Hunter Joyer for a 4^th down conversion, earning the Gators a first down. Florida’s drive ended with a missed field goal attempt by Kicker Caleb Sturgis. Furman’s first drive was an unbelievable output of athleticism. Furman’s first snap was accompanied by a fantastic block that resulted in some great yardage, a precursor to what would be the Paladin’s first score of the game. In the end, the Paladin’s drove up the field for a total of 67 yards, but missed the extra point. The Gator’s next possession resulted in a return to the 50-yard line being called back half the distance to the goal. What ensued was a high snap to John Brantley, the ball ending up in the end zone and being recovered by the Paladins, resulting in a safety. With their newfound momentum, the Paladin’s continued to romp the Gators defense by completing a great pass and outflanking Gator Safety Josh Evans for a touchdown. Fortunately for Gator fans, Chris Rainey was put back into the game, apparently healthy again, to receive the kick off. After several relatively unfruitful plays, Brantley was able to complete a pass to Jordan Reed for the Gator’s first score of the game, and the extra point was good. The 1^st quarter closed with the Paladin’s out manning the Gators, driving 47 yards up the field resulting in a touchdown.

The 2^nd quarter began with some signs of life from the Florida Defense who forced Furman to punt to the Gators again. Florida’s offense seemed to come back alive with the Tight Ends making some huge plays resulting in a 65-yard drive and a Hunter Joyer touchdown. At the 6:40 mark, the Gator Defense seemed to be onboard with the recent success and completed the first Florida sack of the game, accomplished by J. Howard, removing Furman from field goal range and forcing them to punt. Florida took advantage of the team’s newfound confidence and rallied to score 7 more points on a catch made by Andre Debose. The Gator defense stopped the Paladins and forced a punt. The punt was blocked by Easley and recovered by the Gators at the 35-yard line. Brantley and the Gator offense made the scoreboard tick 7 more points in their favor with a 29 yard pass to Quinton Dunbar, giving the Gators their first lead of the game. Stopping the Paladins offense once more, Chris Rainey completed a 39-yard run placing Florida just outside of the Redzone. The Gators have been exceptionally unsuccessful in the Redzone this year. This fear was made apparent by several failed pass attempts leading to a 4^th down scenario, where Kicker Kaleb Sturgis missed another heart-breaking field goal.

Halftime Score: Gators – 27 (SEC)    Paladins – 22 (Southern)

The 3^rd quarter started with UF kicking off to Furman. The Paladins seemed to be unscathed by the success of Florida in the latter quarter and showed little respect for UF’s defense by converting on 4^th down. This lead to a drive up the field stopped by Tackle Matt Elam. Furman, facing a 4^th down, kicked a 23-yard field goal. With 7 minutes left in the quarter, Chris Rainey limped to the sidelines after a great Gator drive. The final outcome was Florida being in a 4^th down situation and, once more, calling upon Kaleb Sturgis to put points on the board. Kaleb managed to nail the 33-yard field goal. Florida and Furman battled it out for several more possessions, finally culminating into a score for the Gators via a magnificent catch by Andre Debose in the endzone. This moment of victory was short lived, because, with 40 seconds left on the clock, the Paladins answered, showing their true speed, with a 77-yard touchdown run, ending the 3^rd quarter.

Getting the football back in the 4^th quarter the Florida Gators showed that they controlled the gridiron. The Gator’s first drive resulted in a 55-yard field goal made by Kaleb Sturgis who was clearly seeking redemption for his earlier misses. Furman’s next possession resulted in an interception for a touchdown completed by Gator, De’Ante Saunders. Florida’s defense finally began accurately stopping Furman’s pass routes allowing UF to control the game. However, the success of the Florida defense was continuously inhibited by silly penalties. In fact, the Gators had a total of 6 penalties, for 60 lost yards by 7:40 in the 4^th quarter. The Paladins last stand was made at 7:37 in the 4^th quarter; Furman faced another 4^th down and decided to go for it. Their attempt was crushed by a 5-yard penalty, and the team was forced to punt. Florida finally sealed their hard fought victory when J. Jenkins intercepted a Paladins pass and ran for a touchdown. It wasn’t until there was only 1:30 left on the clock when Florida finally put their 2^nd string Quarterback, Jacoby Brissett. He only ran one legitimate play; his last, was the victory formation. The Furman Paladins fought a hard battle until the very end… however, in the end, the Florida Gators prevailed, exiting the Swamp with a much-needed victory. Perhaps this is the catalyst needed by the Gators to emerge victorious in next week’s game against their bitter rivals, The Florida State Seminoles.

FINAL SCORE:

FLORIDA GATORS (SEC) – 54

FURMAN PALADINS (SOUTHERN) – 32

Re-Cap Written By: Brian A. Arnett