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Highlights from Jim McElwain’s post-game presser following Florida’s 24-7 win over UMass in Gainesville:
McElwain said his team still needs to make improvements after Week 1, especially in cutting down penalties. The Gators were penalized eight times and lost 80 yards.
#Gators coach Jim McElwain: 'We have a long ways to go.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 4, 2016
Mac: 'I'm not happy at all with the penalties, especially the three personal fouls. That's not how you're going to play winning football.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 4, 2016
“It’s unacceptable. The thing that probably bothers you more than anything is they were unforced.’’ — Mac on penalties.
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 4, 2016
McElwain praised quarterback Luke Del Rio, who threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns on 29 of 44 attempts.
McElwain praising Luke Del Rio for taking care of the football. #Gators
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 4, 2016
Mac on Luke Del Rio throwing 44 passes: 'To me that wasn't very many.' #Gators
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 4, 2016
“That’s kind of who we want to be a little bit.’’ — McElwain on 44 pass attempts, which was more than any game last season.
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 4, 2016
McElwain asked if Del Rio solidified his role as #Gators starter: "Yeah"
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 4, 2016
McElwain does, however, want to see more explosive plays on offense.
“We didn’t have any. We’ve got to get ‘em.’’ — McElwain on lack of explosive plays offensively.
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 4, 2016
McElwain confirmed that wide receiver Dre Massey and cornerback Duke Dawson will both need to be evaluated after suffering injuries.
#Gators WR Dre Massey went down, McElwain said they'll have to take a look at it. Duke Dawson also to have right arm evaluated.
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 4, 2016
McElwain also mentioned that he expects to see improvement on defense, despite holding UMass to just seven points and 187 yards of total offense.
'I thought our defense was just OK,' Mac said of #Gators D. 'We can play better – and we will.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) September 4, 2016
McElwain also wants to see more from his offensive line.
McElwain said offensive line’s energy has to be much better. “Those tackles have to get up there and get set."
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) September 4, 2016
McElwain expects Kentucky to be a “hungry” team coming off a 44-35 loss to Southern Miss.
Mac just said Kentucky (who lost to So. Miss 44-35) will probably look at the tape tonight and feel good about being the #Gators.
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) September 4, 2016
"We got a team next week that's coming in hungry as heck." – McElwain on Kentucky.
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) September 4, 2016
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
