The Florida Gators continue to find ways to win games as UF defended their home turf on a rainy day in Gainesville against a 3-1 Vanderbilt team with a 38-24win. Luke Del Rio got the start for the Gators offense for the first time this season, but was unable to finish the game due to a shoulder injury. Felipe Franks played hero in relief as the Gators move to 3-1 this season, winning each of their last three games with their biggest offensive output of the season.
Del Rio opened the scoring in the game on Florida’s second drive of the ball game driving 62 yards on ten plays wrapping up with a Lamical Perine one yard touchdown run giving Florida the early 7-0 lead. That would just be the beginning of a busy day for Perinie as he would find the end zone three times in total.
Kyle Schurmur and Vandy answered the Gators’ score with one of their own as the Commodores quarterback found Kalija Lipscomb for 13 yards and a Vandy score tying the game at seven all. That would be one of three separate ties in the game.
Perine found the end zone from 13 yards out early in the second quarter to give Florida a 14-7 lead, only to be tied up on the very next possession as Shurmur found Caleb Scott in the end zone from 12 yards out to tie the game at 14 all. The two teams each added a field goal before the half and the game found it self at 17-17 at halftime.
Del Rio went down hard on his left shoulder late in the second quarter and did not return for the remainder of the game, as Franks found his groove in the second half coming off the bench.
Franks led the Gators on their second possession of the second half 73 yards on eight plays wrapping up with a Malik Davis one yard touchdown run giving the Gators a 24-17 lead. Franks wasn’t done as he led the Gators on their next possession 65 yards on 12 plays as Perine found the end zone for a third time in the game from a yard out giving Florida a commanding 31-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Vanderbilt didn’t go away as they pulled within a touchdown as Kyle Shurmur led the Commodores led is team 77 yards on 14 plays for a Nathan Marcus touchdown catch with 3:14 left to play.
The Gators iced the game late as Malik Davis 39 yard touchdown run on a risky fourth and one play call put the Gators in front for good and secured a 38-24 win for Florida as they move to 3-0 in conference play.
Felipe Franks finished with 185 yards passing on 10-14 in relief. The Gators rushing attack amounted for all five touchdowns and a combined 215 yards on 51 carries, outgaining the Vandy offense by 157 yards total on the day.
Florida will host #25 LSU next week in Gainesville.
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