Ad Disclosure
Rapid Reaction: Pick-sixes help Florida overcome sloppy offense, rout Mizzou
By Andrew Olson
Published:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – If you like punts and picks, Florida-Missouri was for you.
Both offenses frequently stalled out, but the Gators were carried by two first-half defensive scores, courtesy of interception returns from Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson, en route to a 40-14 victory Saturday at The Swamp.
Antonio Callaway added a kickoff return for a touchdown, meaning half of the Gators’ points were non-offensive.
While Drew Lock’s interceptions resulted in more points, Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio was dangerously rusty playing for the first time since Week 3.
Del Rio finished with a stat line he would like to forget (18-for-38 for 236 yards, with 1 TD but 3 interceptions), but he ultimately got his fourth win as a starter.
What it means
They won’t always be favored, but the Gators now control their destiny in the SEC East thanks in large part to some help from Texas A&M and Alabama. Florida improves to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play with Georgia, Arkansas, South Carolina and LSU standing in the way of a trip to Atlanta.
Tennessee, thumped by Alabama, suffered its second conference loss. Vanderbilt shocked Georgia, handing the Bulldogs their third SEC setback.
What I liked
Florida: Credit coach Jim McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier for calling more deep passes in the first half than were called two weeks ago against Vanderbilt. The calls were on point, but execution was problematic.
After kicker Eddy Pineiro missed a 32-yard chip shot, McElwain sent him out for another field goal with the ball on the Missouri 36-yard line. The newcomer hit the 53-yarder and got a boost in confidence.
It was also evident that the coaches have been looking for ways to get the ball in Brandon Powell’s hands. The slot receiver was recruited as a running back, and the Gators tried him at his old position for a carry and used a reverse to give him another non-passing touch.
Nice to meet you, Tyrie Cleveland. Florida’s top offensive signee got his first start and was a big part of the passing game. On his seventh target of the day, he was wide open at the 15-yard line and turned on the jets to get into the end zone.
The defense was its usual dominant self. Through the first three quarters, the Gators forced nine Missouri three-and-outs. Drew Lock entered the game the SEC’s leading passer, and left after completing 4 of 18 passes for 39 yards. He threw two interceptions.
Tabor, who talked this week about Florida having a No. 1 secondary, showed off his dedication to film study with another impressive interception achieved by his recognition of the route being run. This time, it went for six points. Not to be outdone, Wilson came up a 78-yard pick-six of his own.
Mizzou: The Gators wanted to score easy on big strikes, and Mizzou’s secondary covered the deep ball relatively well, allowing only one big play. The secondary picked off Del Rio twice in the first half.
The third time proved to be the charm. The Tigers turned Del Rio’s pick to open the second half into a score, with a four-play, 46-yard drive aided by 45 rushing from Damarea Crockett on two carries.
What I didn’t like
Florida: On their first six drives, the Gators were flagged for five penalties. It’s been an issue all season, and clearly whatever they’re doing in practice to remedy the issue isn’t working.
Up 32-7, the Gators wanted to try for two points, but their eighth false start forced McElwain to send out Pineiro for the extra point. We know what this team will be working on during the bye week.
Mizzou: Nothing against punters, but I’d rather not watch Corey Fatony punt on seven-of-nine first-half possessions. Then again, the other two times the Tigers had the ball in the first half, UF defensive backs scored touchdowns.
Who’s the man: The Florida faithful have been on Cleveland watch ever since he flipped his commitment to the Gators. In an offense that can be difficult to watch, Cleveland looks like a potential spark heading into the second half of the season.
Key play: Jordan Scarlett sealed the deal with a 33-yard touchdown run to extend Florida’s lead to 33-7.
What’s next: Florida gets its second off week of October before it plays Georgia in Jacksonville on Oct. 29. Missouri hosts Middle Tennessee for homecoming.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.