Here are some quick thoughts on Florida’s 41-7 blowout loss to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.

What it means: Florida finishes its 2015 season with a disappointing third straight loss, falling to 10-4 in head coach Jim McElwain’s first season. All four Florida losses came following the suspension of redshirt freshman QB Will Grier.

What I liked:

  • With no game next Saturday to worry about, Gators QB Treon Harris was given the green light to run more. On the opening drive, Harris picked up 26 yards on two carries.
  • On third-and-goal in the first quarter, the Gators used some trickery to catch Michigan off guard. RB Kelvin Taylor received a direct snap before handing off to WR Antonio Callaway who tossed it underhanded over the line of scrimmage to Harris in the end zone.

What I didn’t like:

  • The highly touted UF defense was missing in action on Michigan’s opening possession, a 73-yard touchdown drive. The Gators allowed an alarming 55 of those yards on the ground.
  • CB Vernon Hargreaves III made a costly mistake in coverage that left Michigan WR Jehu Chesson wide open for a 31-yard touchdown reception. Chesson burned him for a 45-yard reception in the third quarter that led to another UM touchdown.
  • Harris killed a second quarter potential scoring drive with an inexplicable decision to lob the ball into the end zone with more Michigan defenders than Florida receivers. The interception took away UF’s momentum.
  • The Florida defense showed no sign of making any halftime adjustments, allowing Michigan to march down the field after the second half kickoff.
  • Despite being down only 10 points (17-7) at halftime, the Gators showed no fight in the final 30 minutes.

Who’s the man: Michigan RB De’Veon Smith gashed the Gators on the ground, picking up 109 yards on 25 carries. The Wolverines finished with 225 yards on the ground against a UF defense that entered the game allowing opponents only 120 rushing yards per game.

Key play: The second quarter interception in the end zone was a momentum shifter for Michigan and kept Florida from tying the game at 14. It also killed the illusion of an improved Harris for the new year, deflating the Gators spirits. The UM defense played with more confidence after the critical turnover.

What’s next: Florida will hope to erase its memory of the Citrus Bowl and build on this season’s SEC East title, but questions at quarterback loom large heading into spring practice.