GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators waited until the fourth quarter, but in the end No. 25-ranked Florida took control against overmatched UMass for a 24-7 victory.
Rookie kicker
Eddy Pineiro booted three field goals, quarterback
Luke Del Rio passed for two scores and the Gators' defense tightened up after an early 7-7 tie to seize the momentum.
Florida head coach
Jim McElwain improved to 2-0 in season openers as Florida won its 27th consecutive opener overall, the longest active streak in the country.
Here is a closer look at the Florida-UMass game:
WHAT IT MEANS:Â The Gators got a win. Not sure how much McElwain and his staff will take from this one other than Florida pulled away late to avoid a real upset scare in the final quarter. The offense looked efficient at times, and not so much at other times. Same for the defense, although the Gators clamped down in the second half despite missing defensive back Duke Dawson, who was injured in the first half and never returned. Receiver Dre Massey also suffered an injury in the first half and did not return. In the end, the Gators walked out of the Swamp winners after losing their final three games last season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:Â Del Rio of course. The 22-year-old redshirt sophomore made his first start since he shared a backfield with Stanford Heisman candidate Christian McCaffrey in 2012 at Valor Christian High in Colorado. McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier turned to Del Rio to make smart plays and manage the offense. Mission accomplished. Del Rio finished 29 of 44 for 256 yards and two touchdowns, including a 26-yarder to Brandon Powell midway into the fourth quarter to give Florida a comfortable lead.
STAGGERING STATISTIC:Â Florida averaged just 3.7 yards on 29 carries against the Minutemen, who lacked in speed and size compared to Florida's offensive line.
SUBPLOT:Â Steve Spurrier delivered a memorable pregame ceremony, first when he spoke to the crowd during the dedication ceremony of Steve Spurrier-Florida Field and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and then when he performed a fun Mr. Two Bits routine. Spurrier clearly was in the moment and got the crowd fired up at the Swamp.
UP NEXT: The Gators open Southeastern Conference play next week when Kentucky visits. The Wildcats opened the season with a 44-35 home loss to Southern Mississippi on Saturday. Florida has defeated the Wildcats 29 consecutive times, last losing in 1986.
