The Florida Gators (2-1) survived a valiant effort by USF (1-2) to pick up a 31-28 win on Saturday night in Gainesville.
The Bulls gave the Gators all they had in this one - Michel Dukes ran in a one-yard touchdown with 11:14 to go in the fourth quarter to give the Bulls a 24-21 lead. Trevor Etienne ran in a 3-yard touchdown with 5:05 to go to give the Gators a 31-28 lead, which would be the score coming down the stretch.
The Bulls were able to drive the ball, but came up short when Spencer Shrader missed a 49-yard field goal with 0:28 to go in the game. From there the Gators were able to run the clock out and hang on for the victory.
Gerry Bohanon went 12-for-28 with 116 yards passing for the Bulls, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. The Bulls had two hundred-yard rushers - Bohanon ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Brian Battie also ran for 150 yards and a touchdown.
Anthony Richardson went 10-for-18 with 112 yards through the air for the Gators - he did not throw a touchdown but threw two interceptions. Montrell Johnson Jr. set the pace for the Gators on the ground, running for 103 yards.
The Florida Gators return to action next Saturday when they travel to Tennessee to take on the Volunteers - kickoff from Knoxville on September 24th is scheduled for 3:30 PM. The USF Bulls will also be in action on September 24th when they travel to Louisville to play the Cardinal - kickoff in that game is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES