Coach Dealer came into Season 31 really hoping to avoid going to 0-3, to the Gators, since taking over the Hurricanes in Season 29. Miami got off to a nice opening drive and things were looking very promising. However after a loss of 2 on a 3rd and 1, Miami faced 4th and 3 from the 12 yard line. Xavier Restrepo would be hit as he was catching the ball and drop the ball giving the ball to the Gators for their first possession. Florida would put together a very well balanced drive and after 14 plays they would score on a 1 yard TD run to go up 7-0. Miami looked to be in real trouble on the next possession as Cam Ward would be picked off, but the Miami D would answer right back as Mishael Powell would intercept Florida on their first play. Miami would then go on a 13 play drive. The Canes would get the ball inside the Florida 5 yard line, but on 4th down Ward would be picked off in the endzone by Trikweze Bridges who would then run 103 yards for the Pick 6 and a 14-0 lead at the half for the Gators. "We really hurt ourselves in that first half," said Coach Dealer. "We had chances to put some points on the board and just couldn't capitalize."
The second half would not go much better for the Hurricanes offense. After Florida missed a 51 yard field goal the Canes had the ball and a chance to put some points on the board. However, they would again fail on 4th down. This time Ward would be picked off inside the 10 yard line stopping the Miami drive. The fourth quarter would start with Miami again throwing and interception. Florida would capitalize this time as they would score on a 2 yard run to push the lead to 21-0, which would end up being the final score.
"We have to look ourselves in the mirror after that game," said Dealer, "we have a Bye week next week, but if we don't fix our mistakes we could be looking at a very rough start to Season 31."
Miami will travel to San Diego St for their Week 3 game and then be home in Week 4 to take on South Carolina in a CFP Playoff re-match.
Trikweze Bridges goes to coast to coast with the interception return
Gainesville, Florida - The Florida Gators opened up their season in spectacular fashion tonight, defeating their rivals the Miami Hurricanes 21-0. The story of this game was defense, as neither the Gators nor the Hurricanes were able to find any sort of rhythm on offense as both teams were held to under 250 yards. The Hurricanes did manage to get deep in Florida territory multiple times in the game but opted to try to score touchdowns instead of settling for field goals and it cost them dearly, including a 103 interception return for a touchdown by safety Trikweze Bridges to give the Gators a 14-0 lead heading into halftime. In the second half the Gators continued to keep the Hurricane offense under wraps and added another score of their own on 2-yard Montrell Johnson Jr. touchdown run, his second of the day, as the Gators were able to pull away for the win. "A great way to kick off the season," said coach McDonagh at the post-game press conference. "To knock off one your biggest rivals at home in front of a crowd like this is special. We for sure need to work out some kinks on offense, but our defense was spectacular. We just need to keep working hard in practice and hopefully our offense will catch up to our defense." With the win the Gators now turn their attention to another ACC foe as they travel to a hostile crowd in Blacksburg, Virginia to take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech in yet another early season clash between two of the top teams in the country.
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