The Quick Slant: Instant Analysis of UF's 24-7 win at Kentucky
Sunday, September 29, 2013 | Football, Scott Carter
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- The Gators made sure quarterback Tyler Murphy's first career start was a good one.
Murphy did his part, too.
Murphy completed his first 13 passes and relied on a steady run game and overpowering defense to do the rest in Florida's 24-7 victory over Kentucky on Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium.
THE QUICK SLANT
WHAT IT MEANS: The Gators took a big step forward in life with Murphy as the team's starting quarterback. Murphy looked good in his debut against Tennessee after starter Jeff Driskel was lost for the season due to a lower leg injury. He looked equally impressive Saturday. Murphy guided the Gators on a 13-play, 93-yard scoring drive to open the game. The Wildcats tied the game on a fake field goal, but the Gators' offense responded and never looked back.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: While Murphy's 11-for-11, 120-yard performance in the first half was buzzing on Twitter, sophomore running back Matt Jones showed he is back from a viral infection that caused him to miss fall camp. Jones had a career-best 67-yard run in the first half and finished with the first 100-yard game of his career (28 rushes, 176 yards, one touchdown.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida defeated Kentucky for the 27th consecutive time. Florida's win streak is currently the longest in the country in an uninterrupted series between FBS programs. Saturday's win set a record for a winning streak for an SEC school against a conference opponent, snapping a tie with Tennessee, which beat Kentucky 26 consecutive times until the Wildcats snapped the streak in 2011.
SUBPLOT: Everyone had their eyes on Murphy and the redshirt junior did not disappoint in his first career start. Murphy finished 15 of 18 for 156 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He ran the offense efficiently and showed nice timing with the receivers.
UP NEXT: The Gators (3-1, 2-0 in SEC) return home to host Arkansas. Florida has defeated the SEC West Razorbacks eight consecutive times dating back to the 1995 SEC Championship Game. While Murphy came on in relief of Driskel in the win over Tennessee last week, the Arkansas game will officially mark his first career start at Florida Field.
