Gators Crush Charleston Southern in Season Opener, 53-6

The Florida football team began the Dan Mullen Era in style at home Saturday night, taking down Charleston Southern 53-6 in an offensive explosion to kick off their 2018 season.

Suspensions

Seven Gators were suspended prior to Saturday’s game. Cece Jefferson, Kadarius Toney, Kyree Campbell, Luke Ancrum, Adarius Lemons, Brian Edwards and James Washington were all suspended for various reasons. Mullen said they did not live up to the “Gator standard.”

The Mullen Era

Dan Mullen’s first game in the Swamp looked good. Mullen and his staff were able to call plays effectively and lead Florida to a win. Mullen said he liked how quarterback Feleipe Franks looked in this first game, but the team has improvements they need to make in practice this week.

Gators Defense Looking Strong

The Gators defense looked good Saturday night with:

• Two fumble recoveries
• A blocked field goal
• A blocked extra point
  • Austin Perry ran it back for a two-point conversion

Franks Impressive First Half

Feleipe Franks led the Gators to an offensive explosion from the start. Franks threw five touchdown passes in the first half; the last Gator to throw five passing touchdowns in a game was Chris Leak in 2004.

For the fourth time in school history, the #Gators threw 5⃣ touchdown passes in a half.

Four different #Gators have caught one tonight 🙌 pic.twitter.com/z0FDMV5RZt

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 2, 2018

Take a look at the jump pass from Franks to Cleveland toward the end of the second quarter.

A @GatorsFB QB throwing a jump pass …

Seems familiar 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WE5ckkbrc4

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 2, 2018

Here’s what Franks had to say about the play leading up the jump pass.

A 22-yard touchdown rush from Terrence Wilson got Charleston Southern on the board in the fourth quarter. However, the Gators blocked the extra point, running it all the way back for a two-point conversion.

Notes

• Charleston Southern linebacker Edward King was ejected for targeting on the second play of the game.
• Florida’s first touchdown was a 34-yd reception from Franks to Trevon Grimes; this was Grimes’ first receiving touchdown as a Gator.
• Both Kyle Trask and Emory Jones got in the game at quarterback for the Gators in the second half.

What’s Next

The Gators kick off SEC play next Saturday as they host Kentucky at 4 p.m.; the Wildcats won their opener 35-20 over Central Michigan.