Special Teams Were Filled With Highs And Lows For The 2022 Orange & Blue Game. Mihalek Hit A Bomb

By KYLE CURTIS

GatorBaitMedia.com

It was a historic night for Adam Mihalek, who went a perfect three for three on extra points and two for two on field goals, including a record-tying boot. His field goals were 47 yards and a 52-yard bomb. Mihalek’s 52-yarder tied the school record (unofficially) as the longest field goal previously, set by Chris Hetland in 2006 and matched by Eddie Pinerio in 2016.

Adam Mihalek: 52-yarder. (UAA Photo)

Chris Howard, on the other hand had a bit different night. He missed the opening field goal attempt for the Orange team from 37-yards.

Mihalek also handled kickoff responsibilities. He had seven kickoffs on the night, although the first one of those seven did go out of bounds resulting in a flag.

Both kickers are expected to take a backseat to Trey Smack come the fall. Smack, the No. 3 ranked kicker in the nation for the 2022 class, is known for his strong leg and accuracy. Mihalek’s impressive outing will set up for a heated kicking competition before the opening game Sept. 3.

Returning kickoffs were Demarkcus Bowman, Fenley Graham, and Ja’Markis Weston.

Bowman took the opening kickoff out 20 yards before he fumbled and was recovered by Derek Wingo.

Fenley Graham had a strong showing returning with five returns for 87 yards. Returning responsibilities will be one of a committee, although Graham lived up to the offseason hype and had a strong outing.

Before the game, Bowman was seen fielding punts for the Orange team, which is a good sign for Gator fans since there has been a lack of explosiveness in recent years in punt returning. Later he fumbled his first kickoff, not going as planned, although the Orange team retained possession due to the scrimmage format.

On a night where punts were minimal, Jeremy Crawshaw picked up right where he left off last season. He had one punt for 40 yards but was able to pin it roughly on the 10-yard line. Jacob Watkins also had one punt for 44 yards, although Crenshaw will be the day one starter.

All in all, after a sluggish start from a group Napier refers to as the “Game-Changers” they finished strong. After the opening fumble and missed field goal, Mihalek was able to put together a great night along with a few key plays across the board.

The Game-Changers will be looking to earn their name come Sept. 3 when the Gators take on Utah in The Swamp.