Grading the Gators: McNeese wasn't much of a test, but Florida aced it.
Offense: A
It was against McNeese, but… 560 yards of total offense, touchdowns on the first seven possessions, a quarterback who completed 14 of 17 passes, five-for-six on third down conversions, an offensive line that didn’t routinely flinch and jump offsides. The line’s performance helped UF reestablish its identity as a running team that can pass when it wants to, not needs to, as it did against Utah.
Defense: A
It was against McNeese, but… Florida allowed 112 yards total offense. That was the lowest total in a game since 2016, when the freshmen making an impact on defense were in the sixth grade. After a decent opening drive by the Cowboys, UF didn’t allow McNeese to sniff the red zone. One concern: the defense has yet to force a turnover. After two historically bad seasons, however, the unit is trending up under coordinator Austin Armstrong.
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Special Teams: B
It was against McNeese, but… for once the special teams tape won’t come with a laugh track. There was a botched snap and hold on the first extra-point attempt, and the punt-return team had one yard in returns to show for the night. But coverage was good and most of Trey Smack’s kickoffs were too deep to return. To top it off, two players with the same number did not go on the field for a punt return. Baby steps, yes, but they are still steps.
Coaching: A
It was against McNeese, but… the Gators still could have played sloppily while looking ahead to next week’s, sort of like the Tennessee did against Austin Peay. Instead, UF had the precision of a Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon compared to the Utah game. There were minor miscues, but the Gators were ready to play and everything the coaches dialed up worked. It was just McNeese State, but Florida got the confidence boost it needed heading into Tennessee game.
David Whitley is The Gainesville Sun's sports columnist. Contact him at dwhitley@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DavidEWhitley
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida looked as good as possible against outmanned McNeese State
