The Quick Slant: Gators 20, Florida Atlantic 14 (OT)
Sunday, November 22, 2015 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- If you have heard this before, you have our apologies.
But somehow, someway the Gators keep finding ways to win when you think their magic might be running out.
As the rain poured down on Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Florida Atlantic had a first-and-goal from Florida's 9-yard line in overtime. If the Owls scored a touchdown and kicked the extra point, they had their biggest win in school history.
Instead, Florida's defense held on as the No. 8-ranked Gators (10-1) defeated FAU (2-9) in overtime.
The Gators' 20-14 victory wasn't without its share of nervous moments in the end. Florida led 14-0 in the second half but watched as FAU refused to go away, tying the game in regulation.
On the first drive of overtime, Florida quarterback Treon Harris threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake McGee. However, kicker Austin Hardin, who missed two earlier field goals, had his extra-point attempt blocked.
The Owls could win with a touchdown and PAT. But they didn't and the Gators won for the 10th time in 11 games.
As a security guard said after the game, "Ugly wins are better than pretty losses."
The Gators agree.
Here is our instant analysis from Florida's overtime victory against the Owls:
WHAT IT MEANS: Same as last week. The Gators remain alive in the College Football Playoff chatter by winning their fourth consecutive game. Florida's 10th win of the season allowed first-year head coach Jim McElwain to surpass some prominent names in UF football history: former Gators coaches Ray Graves (1960), Galen Hall (1985), Steve Spurrier (1990) and Urban Meyer won nine games in their first seasons. McElwain became the first coach in school history to win 10 in his inaugural season.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Florida defensive line was without four key players Saturday: Alex McCalister, Joey Ivie, Jordan Sherit and Caleb Brantley. And for a while Jon Bullard, who left in the first half but returned. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Khairi Clark got his first career start in place of Brantley and finished with six tackles and a sack. Clark wasn't the only young D-Lineman to step up for Florida. Cece Jefferson (four tackles), Keivonnis Davis (three tackles in first career appearance) and Taven Bryan (48-yard fumble return) all chipped in.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida converted just 2 of 13 third-down attempts on Saturday, a week after converting 11 of 19 opportunities in a win at South Carolina. Of course, FAU wasn't any better. The Owls made just 4 of 17 attempts as the teams combined for 17 punts. Johnny Townsend punted nine times for the Gators, averaging 43.4 yards and pinning FAU inside the 20 six times.
SUBPLOT: The scrutiny of sophomore quarterback Treon Harris continues to increase among the fan base. A week after completing a career-high 19 passes for 256 yards against the Gamecocks, Harris turned the ball over twice Saturday (one fumble, one interception) and missed several open targets. Harris finished 8 of 17 for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Say what you will about Harris, but he seems to find a way to make just enough plays that matter. And that scenario played out once again to the detriment of the Owls.
UP NEXT: The Gators close the regular season by hosting No. 16-ranked Florida State in their annual showdown with the Seminoles. FSU owns an upper hand in the rivalry in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings, including two in a row at The Swamp. Florida's last victory over FSU was in 2012, a 37-26 win at Doak Campbell Stadium that capped an 11-1 regular season. The 10-1 Gators hope to do the same next weekend.
