Game Notes: Florida Handles McNeese State in Home Opener

The Florida Gators took the field in Gainesville for the first time in 2023 and did not disappoint. The Gators did their job and handled the McNeese State Cowboys in dominant fashion with a score of 49-7. Florida's first punt didn't come until nine minutes left in the fourth quarter and had seven touchdowns on the first seven possessions.

Gator fans showed out in the home opener, putting 88,163 people in The Swamp. This is the sixth-best attendance against an FCS opponent and the best since 2010. After a half, the Gators had already accumulated four touchdowns on the ground and had a lead of 26-0 going into the locker room. As mentioned, not perfect in the first half, the Gators had a botched snap on an extra point that additionally led to a missed two-point conversion.

Montrell Johnson led the way for the Gators with yards on the ground along with a score. On top of Johnson's performance, both Trevor Etienne and true freshman Treyaun Webb also hit pay dirt for the orange and blue. A much-improved effort by the offensive line from a week ago allowed Florida to execute their game plan and dominate rushing for over 300 yards.

That's more like it.

Florida Gator running back Trevor Etienne scoring a touchdown against McNeese State. Photo via Chris Spears GatorBaitMedia.com

While Graham Mertz's box score didn't jump off the page, he had some highlights along with doing what he had to do to move the offense efficiently. The Ricky Pearsall and Graham Mertz connection became stronger today, as Pearsall was the obvious focal point of the Gator's passing attack. The top play of the game came in the middle of the third quarter when Mertz hit Pearsall down the middle deep for a 50-yard touchdown to put the Gators up 40. That would be Mertz's final snap of the day, finishing with 193 yards on 14/17 attempts along with a touchdown in the air and on the ground.

Along with the running backs, Ricky Pearsall and freshman Eugene Wilson were the main targets for Mertz throughout the day. Pearsall finished with 6 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown while Wilson, who made his first collegiate start, finished with four catches for 36 yards and 18 yards on the ground.

Due to the score, Max Brown was able to make his collegiate debut towards the end of the third quarter. In his first drive, Brown went 2/2 for 24 yards along with a score. Treyaun Webb stood out on the drive and put the Gators up 49-0 with his second score of the day.

The Gator's defense shined and held the Cowboys scoreless in the first half, constantly putting pressure on the quarterback. The pressure was relentless all night and continued into the second half. On the ensuing possession following the Pearsall-to-Mertz touchdown, the Gator's defense stepped up and was able to force a safety after a bobbled kickoff. This was Florida's first safety of the season and first since last season against Kentucky.

Florida held the Cowboys to just 112 total yards, 46 rushing and 66 passing. Shemar James led the way in tackling for the second consecutive week with six total tackles.

In addition to the Gators dominating the game from start to finish, they also finished with only four penalties of just 20 yards.

In a get right game, the Gators now have one of their biggest test of the season on deck when Tennessee visits The Swamp next week.