The Quick Slant: Florida 32, North Texas 0
Saturday, September 17, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
No. 23-ranked Florida improves to 3-0 heading into next week's game at Tennessee.
Florida's 32-0 win over the Mean Green wasn't nearly as pretty as its victory over Kentucky the previous week, but the Gators got the job done to enter next week's SEC East showdown at Tennessee undefeated.
The Gators scored four rushing touchdowns, got a field goal from Eddy Pineiro, and opened the scoring with a safety on a sack by Caleb Brantley.
The game got chippy in the second half when Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio had to leave the game following a cheap shot. Florida head coach Jim McElwain certainly didn't like the hit, which fired up the Gators the rest of the game.
Here is a closer look at the Florida-North Texas game:
WHAT IT MEANS: The Gators beat North Texas on Saturday and Tennessee beat Ohio, setting the stage for a pair of 3-0 teams to square off next week at Neyland Stadium in a game that will have implications on the SEC East race. This game has been on the minds of both Florida and Tennessee fans since the summer and the fact the Gators and Vols enter the game ranked and unbeaten only elevates the anticipation.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio left the game late in the third quarter on a low hit by North Texas linebacker Joshua Wheeler. The hit looked like a cheap shot and McElwain made his feelings clear when he yelled toward the Mean Green sidelines and was restrained by officials as UF team doctors looked at Del Rio's knee. Del Rio was 14 of 25 for 186 yards and one interception before leaving. McElwain said his status for next week's game at Tennessee does not look good.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Florida limited North Texas to 53 yards of total offense on 50 plays, an average of 1.06 yards per play. The 53 yards set a school record for the Gators in fewest yards allowed, breaking the record of 59 against Western Carolina in 2006.
SUBPLOT: The Gators did their best work on the ground Saturday, as four different backs (Jordan Cronkrite, Lamical Perine, Mark Thompson and Jordan Scarlett) scored touchdowns. The Gators rushed for 255 yards and the four backs who scored all averaged at least five yards per carry.
UP NEXT: McElwain stresses the importance of opportunities, and the Gators have a big one in Knoxville coming up. The Gators seek their 12th consecutive win against Tennessee, which beat Ohio 28-19 on Saturday.
