HALFTIME: No. 24 Florida trails Oklahoma 13-7

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — No. 24 Florida trailed Oklahoma 13-7 at halftime Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after the Sooners controlled possession and nearly doubled the Gators’ yardage in the opening two quarters.

Oklahoma finished the half with a 201-109 advantage in total offense and held the ball for 17 minutes, 25 seconds. The Sooners produced 12 first downs to Florida’s seven and converted four of eight third downs. Florida was 1 of 4 on third down.

The Sooners opened the scoring when Tate Sandell made a 41-yard field goal with 7:36 left in the first quarter. Oklahoma extended the lead to 10-0 on John Mateer’s 3-yard touchdown pass to H. Hansen with 9:42 remaining in the second quarter.

Florida answered with its strongest possession of the half. Running back Jadan Baugh scored on a 15-yard run with 3:15 left before halftime, and P. Durkin’s extra point cut Oklahoma’s lead to 10-7.

Oklahoma responded before the break, moving into range for Sandell’s 48-yard field goal with 36 seconds remaining. That kick sent the Sooners to the locker room ahead by six.

Florida entered halftime with 60 rushing yards and 49 passing yards. Oklahoma had 135 passing yards and 66 rushing yards. Neither team committed a turnover in the first half.

The Gators need more sustained offense after generating seven first downs, while the defense must get Oklahoma off the field more consistently. The Sooners’ edge in possession and third-down efficiency allowed them to dictate much of the opening half.

Full postgame coverage will follow at GatorBaitMedia.com.

Photo courtesy UAA (University Athletic Association, FloridaGators.com). See the official Florida Gators photo galleries at FloridaGators.com.