Florida got some much-needed momentum with a dominant 30-3 victory over Iowa in the Outback Bowl on Monday.
It was a solid all-around performance from the Gators. Austin Appleby threw for 222 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a bowl record 85-yard touchdown pass to Mark Thompson; Jordan Scarlett gained 94 yards and Chauncey Gardner snagged two interceptions, including a 58-yard pick-six.
Jim McElwain was understandably excited about the victory, and that emotion came through in his post-game comments.
#Gators coach Jim McElwain: 'That was a heck of a game for us. I think it speaks volumes for our guys and their approach.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) January 2, 2017
Jim McElwain: "(It was) well documented obviously how beat up we were. We never once used that as an excuse."
— Ian Cohen (@icohenb) January 2, 2017
Mac: “Our defensive line played their tails off.”
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) January 2, 2017
Mac: 'Some guys should be really proud of what they put on film.'
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) January 2, 2017
"Well we have a lot of good recruits that are excited to be #Gators… we had a heck of a year" – Coach McElwain
— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) January 2, 2017
#Gators coach Jim McElwain on freshman Chauncey Gardner: "He made a huge difference for us, especially with all those injuries."
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) January 2, 2017
“This was, and still is, a building process.” —Mac on #Gators
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) January 2, 2017
