FLORIDA FOOTBALL: No Trick-or-Treating for Gators in First Half

The Florida Gators are not off to the best start in Jacksonville as they trail the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs 26-7 after one half of play. There was optimism at the beginning of the half for Florida that the Gators could keep it close going into halftime.

The Gators started hot.

After jumping out to an early 7-0 lead on the opening drive of the game, Florida seemed to take control of the game early. The momentum transferred to the defensive side as they were able to hold Georgia to three points after driving the ball down the field on their opening possession.

Two questionable play calls in the first half by Billy Napier led to 14 Georgia points that completely changed the dynamic of this game.

The first call came on the second drive following two strong runs by Trevor Etienne. At mid field with a new set of downs, Napier called a double reverse that was not executed smoothly, resulting in the Gator's first negative play from scrimmage. The drive would result in a punt and put a halt to any momentum that Florida had. Georgia would take the lead on the following drive and not look back.

The second call came on a 4th & 1 at Florida's own 34. While going for it in that situation is reasonable, the play design was questionable, at best. After hurrying to the line, Graham Mertz rushed to the line as if he was going to sneak it, only for the ball to be snapped five yards behind him to Etienne. Etienne was not intending to run it though, he was attempting to make a pass before a group of Bulldogs harassed him. The Bulldogs would score and raise their lead to seven and pull all of the hope out of the Gator fans in the stand.

These two play calls completely changed the course of the game and knocked the air out of the Florida sideline. Outside of the opening drive touchdown, the Gators next 17 plays combined for a total of 1 yard.

Graham Mertz finished with 98 yards and a touchdown on 11/16 passing and was sacked four times along with losing two fumbles, one of them being recovered. On top of the fumble recovery by the Dogs, they also blocked a Jeremy Crawshaw punt resulting in a safety.

Eugene Wilson had another productive first half with six catches for 56 yards and a touchdown while Ricky Pearsall had just two catches for 35 yards. Arlis Boardingham, who has emerged as a key threat in the passing attack, has yet to be targeted. On the ground Montrell Johnson has 30 yards while Trevor Etienne has just 11.

A poor first half for the Gators, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs get the ball at half and will look to extend on their lead. If Florida wants to come back , they are going to have to move the ball with purpose on offense and force turnovers on the defensive end.