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Turnovers keeping Gators in game against Crimson Tide
By Drew Laing
Published:
If you’re a Florida fan, thank goodness for turnovers.
Otherwise, this game could very well have been a blowout by halftime. The Alabama Crimson Tide lead the Gators 21-14 at halftime, but it’s been the key turnovers forced by the Gators’ defense that’s kept Will Muschamp’s team in the game.
All 14 points for the Gators came off Alabama fumbles, including a big 49-yard fumble return for touchdown by free safety Keanu Neal. The first Florida touchdown occurred following a fumble by Kenyan Drake deep in their own territory, as quarterback Jeff Driskel found Valdez Showers on a nice route to the corner of the end zone.
And defensive end Dante Fowler recovered another Crimson Tide fumble as Alabama was driving down the field into Florida territory. Unfortunately for Florida, they gave the ball right back on the ensuing drive, thanks to a bad exchange by Driskel and running back Matt Jones in the backfield.
Other than the three turnovers, Alabama has dominated the stat sheet in the first 30 minutes.
Total Yards comparison:
- Florida: 105 yards, 14 points
- Alabama 365 yards, 21 points
Quarterback Blake Sims has lit up the Gators secondary, completing 17-of-22 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns. Sims, of course, has been finding wide receiver Amari Cooper early and often in this game. The junior wide out has seven catches for 175 yards and one touchdown.
On the other sideline, quarterback Jeff Driskel has been abysmal. His 5-of-17 passing for just 53 yards just will not get it done for the Gators this afternoon. The redshirt junior has missed some open receivers downfield and on shorter routes and it’s been generally a game full of missed opportunities for the Florida offense.
It’s tough to imagine if the Gators’ offense can’t move the ball down the field, that the defense can contain Alabama’s offense and force enough turnovers to mount a comeback in the second half.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
