Rapid reaction: Florida holds on against Vanderbilt, wins 9-7 to clinch SEC East
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Here are some quick thoughts from Florida’s nail-biting 9-7 victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday:
What it means: Florida got a lot more than it bargained for, but clinched the SEC East with a 9-7 win over Vanderbilt.
What I liked: Vanderbilt grabbed the early momentum with a fourth-and-goal stop from the 5-yard line. The Commodores defense and special teams snagged three first-half turnovers to help VU to a 7-6 lead at the break. VU came up with another big turnover, popping the ball out of WR Demarcus Robinson’s hands in the red zone on one of the few times Florida was moving the football. The Gators defense dominated on all but one play, a 74-yard Vanderbilt touchdown by Gainesville, Fla. native RB Ralph Webb.
What I didn’t like: The Gators repeatedly had great field position and came up with nothing. Florida wasted a 71-yard kick return by WR Brandon Powell, coming up with no points on the opening drive. UF looked desperate turning to trick plays such as a fake field goal that ended in a fumble by DE CeCe Jefferson and a pass by WR Demarcus Robinson that was almost intercepted. UF recorded minus-18 yards of offense in the third quarter. The Gators almost gave the game away with penalties on Vanderbilt’s final possession.
Who’s the man: After being benched in favor of a walk-on dental student, K Austin Hardin made his biggest kick of the year, a 43-yard field goal to put Florida up 9-7 with under three minutes remaining.
Key play: The Gators shied away from the kicking game all day, but K Austin Hardin’s kicker was the game-winner.
What’s next: Florida hopes to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt and knock off South Carolina. Vanderbilt will host a struggling Kentucky team.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
