No.1 Florida handles Vanderbilt, 27-3
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—The No.1 ranked Florida Gators scored two touchdowns in the second half to pull away from the Vanderbilt Commodores, 27-3, on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Though the game was never really in doubt, the 35-point underdog Commodores kept the score to within striking distance for most of the contest, but Vanderbilt never could strike up enough offense to take advantages of some lulls by the Gators own highly regarded unit.
The Commodore defense kept All-American quarterback Tim Tebow in check at times, registering four sacks on the defending national champion and holding the Gators to a few less than impressive possessions. However, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner still completed 15-of-20 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. The senior also added a score and a couple of first down runs on 16 carries.
Vanderbilt started the game with a promising 11 play, 45-yard opening drive. However, the possession stalled at the Florida 35-yard line and the Commodores were forced to punt on 4th and 8.
After the two teams swapped third and out drives, the Gators took the lead when Caleb Sturgis connected on a 27-yard field goal to cap a seven minute, 13-play, 75-yard drive.
Vanderbilt freshman running back Zac Stacy got the Commodores off to a good start on its next possession, picking up 17 yards on Vanderbilt’s first play and giving the Commodores their fourth first down against the Gators top-ranked defense. However, senior quarterback Mackenzi Adams was picked off on the very next play by Florida linebacker Ryan Stamper and the Gator senior returned it to the Vanderbilt 34-yard line. Florida stretched the lead to 10-0 soon after the game moved to the second quarter, when sophomore running back Jeffery Demps scored on a 25-yard run.
Florida extended the lead to 13-0 a few minutes later when Sturgis connected on a 45-yard field goal to cap off a 9-play, 45-yard drive.
Vanderbilt got on the scoreboard early in the third quarter with a 9-play, 54-yard drive, but the Commodores problems to score touchdowns in the red zone crept up once again. Freshman running back Warren Norman busted off a 30-yard run to get the Commodores to the Florida 15-yard line. However, a inside run, Adams fade pass intended for senior receiver Alex Washington and short pass attempt to Stacy resulted in no yards and the Commodores settled for a Ryan Fowler 32-yard field goal.
Florida answered Vanderbilt’s score with a touchdown on the following series as the Gators overcame a 2nd and 18 to pick up a first down two plays later when Tebow gained three yards on a 4th and 1. Tebow later hit speedy senior back Brandon James on a quick out pass for a 17-yard gain and to drive the Gators inside the Vanderbilt 8-yard line. Tebow scored his SEC record 52nd rushing touchdown on a one-yard run, four plays later.
The Gators put the nail in coffin later in the fourth quarter when Tebow found senior receiver David Nelson for a 8-yard touchdown pass. The throw was originally intended for All-SEC tight end Aaron Hernandez, but sailed high and was tipped by Hernandez and a Commodore defender right into the waiting arms of Nelson. Florida got the ball with great field position when Vanderbilt punter Brett Upson’s knee was ruled down while the senior was trying to field a low snap.
Hernandez led Florida with 120 receiving yards on seven catches. Warren Norman led the Commodores with 65 yards on 12 carries while Demps led Florida with 57 yards on seven carries.
Norman, who has become a strong candidate for SEC Freshman of the Year honors, officially broke the Southeastern Conference record for most kickoff return yards in a single-season. The Georgia native now has 951 return yards on the year. He also has 1,696 all-purpose yards overall.
Mackenzi Adams completed 13-of-29 passes for 100 yards while making his 10th career start and his first since the Commodores 42-14 loss to the Gators last November.
The win moves Florida one step closer to a undefeated season and a much anticipated SEC Championship game and possible BCS National Championship. Florida plays South Carolina next.
The loss drops Vanderbilt to a disappointing 2-8 on the year and 0-6 in SEC play. The Commodores hope to finally break through next Saturday when 5-4 Kentucky visits Vanderbilt Stadium.
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