Florida had multiple chances to win the regular season finale against Florida State on Saturday, but the Gators shot themselves in the foot every time they had a chance to bury the Seminoles.
There is little doubt that injuries impacted this game, but it was penalty troubles that kept Florida from getting a chance to win it at the end of the game.
Max Brown looked good early but failed to impress after the first quarter. Ricky Pearsall fell short of 1,000 yards despite entering the game just 52 yards away from the goal. Florida hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiver in two decades (and counting).
Year 2 of Florida football under Billy Napier is now in the books, and the team has taken a step back from the 6-7 finish it saw over each of the last two seasons.
Here’s what we learned about the team in Saturday’s loss.
Max Brown still has work to do
Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun
Max Brown stepped into the starting quarterback role for Florida with Graham Mertz injured, but it’s safe to say that No. 15’s job is safe if he decides to come back for another year.
Brown is capable of making some tight throws. He proved that today. But, he finished the night with just 86 yards and an interception on 9-of-16 passing. The numbers speak for themselves here. Brown simply needs to take another step or two forward before competing for a starting job in the SEC.
With DJ Lagway coming in next season and Mertz eligible to return, Brown’s clock is ticking. Splitting time between baseball and football could slow things down, too.
Penalties. Penalties. Penalties.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest play of the game came with 3:45 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. The Seminoles were driving down the field thanks to a defensive pass interference call on Jaydon Hill, but the Gators had forced them into a third-and-14…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-takeaways-florida-season-ending-042515869.html
Author : Gators Wire
Publish date : 2023-11-26 04:25:15
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