WHAT HAPPENED: Fourth-year junior quarterback Feleipe Franksran three yards for the go-ahead touchdown with just over eight minutes left and a Florida defense that sacked Miami redshirt freshman Jarren Williams 10 times withstood a flurry of penalties on the Hurricanes' final two drives and held on for a big (albeit ugly, at times) season-opening victory before a sold-out house at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The game, serving as the ceremonial kickoff to college football's 150th season, was a rare matchup between two cross-state rivals and featured five lead changes, including two in the fourth quarter, but also five turnovers and 23 combined penalties for 225 yards. Miami tailback DeeJay Dallas, from the wildcat spot, dashed 50 yards for a touchdown to give Miami a 20-17 lead 45 seconds into the final period. Two UF drives later, Franks dropped and heaved a 65-yard completion to senior wideout Josh Hammond, with Franks scoring on a QB keeper three plays later at the 8:18 mark. After that, both teams made enough mistakes for two games, as Miami had no answer for Florida's defensive pressure and Florida's secondary was unable to cleanly cover Miami's receivers downfield. After a huge UF stop with 4:30 to play, Franks was intercepted on first down and gave the Hurricanes the ball at the Florida 36. From there, the Gators had to escape two defensive pass interference penalties -- one of them on fourth-and-34. The game ended with Miami at the Florida 26, facing fourth-and-12, but with a chance to chuck the ball into the end zone for the win. Instead, UF defensive end Jeremiah Moon was fast off the edge and forced Williams into a no-chance throw into the dirt to end the game and give the Gators just their second victory over the Hurricanes in the last 33 years. Franks finished 17 of 27 for 254 yards and two touchdowns, including a 66-yard screen pass to Kadarius Toney in the first quarter, plus two interceptions, both in the final period. Williams, making his first career start, hit 19 of 29 attempts for 214 yards and a score, while Dallas had 12 carries for 95 yards.
Kadarius Toney on his way to a 66-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
WHAT IT MEANS: A lot. Florida began the day having lost seven of eight to Miami, dating to the 1986 season, the year before the Gators begged out of an annual rivalry that dated to 1938. The run of frustration included an ugly 2013 defeat that marked the last time the two programs played. With the victory, UF now trails the series, 27-29. More importantly, of course, was getting the 2019 season off to a victorious start, even though things did get a little dicey at the end. Better than the alternative. Ask the Canes.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Got to go with Franks ... for the good and bad. His big-arm throw to Hammond helped turn the game, but his interception after that huge defensive stop gave the Hurricanes a chance. Remember, things weren't always smooth sailing with him last season either, but alongside Coach Dan Mullenthe two worked together and figured some stuff out.
STAGGERING STATISTIC: Those 10 sacks by the Gators were the most by a Florida defense since at least 1996 (the only stats available via our data base), topping the previous best when Jevon Kearse and the Gators beheaded Auburn's Dameyune Craig nine times in a 24-10 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
UP NEXT: Remember, this game originally was scheduled for Aug. 31, with ESPN, UF and UM agreeing to move it up a week to make it a stand-alone spectacle. That means the Gators have a bye next Saturday, then will return to action Sept. 7 against FCS opponent Tennessee-Martin in what will be the home opener at Spurrier/Florida Field. The Skyhawks, who play out of the Ohio Valley Conference and went 2-9 last season, open their 2019 slate Thursday night against Northwestern State.
