Florida Gators Steamroll Eastern Michigan Eagles
Sep 6, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Matt Jones (24) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
In Florida’s second season opener, the Gators made easy work of Eastern Michigan as they rolled to a 65-0 victory at the Swamp.
After last week’s game against Idaho was abandoned due to rain and lightning, the Gators made short work of the Eagles as they put up 655 yards of offense.
Jeff Driskel went 31-of-45 for 248 yards and a touchdown. He was replaced by freshman Treon Harris who went 2-for-2 for 148 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in the fourth quarter on a 70-yard hook-up with Demarcus Robinson and then a 78-yarder to Mark Herndon.
That's the first time #Gators have hit 50 points since Nov. 19, 2011 (beat Furman 54-32 in Muschamp's first season). A run of 28 games.
— Chris Harry (@GatorsChris) September 6, 2014
Robinson led the team with 123 receiving yards while Quinton Dunbar had 81 yards on five catches. Running back Kelvin Taylor had 68 rushing yards on eight carries and two touchdowns while Matt Jones added a touchdown on eight carries for 65 yards. Brandon Powell also had a rushing score.
Freshman corner Duke Dawson returned an interception for a touchdown while kicker Francisco Velez was 3-for-3 on field goals while making all eight extra points.
Duke Dawson is the first true freshman in #Gators HISTORY to return an interception for a TD in his first game. Like, wow!
— Chris Harry (@GatorsChris) September 6, 2014
The Gators defense held Eastern Michigan to just 45 passing yards and gave up 80 rushing yards on 34 carries.
The 65 points are a school record under Will Muschamp.
Florida’s next game is on Sept. 13 at home to SEC rival Kentucky.