
Van Jefferson’s debut in the orange and blue lived up to the months of hype.
While the opponent hardly resembled an SEC foe, Florida’s offense appeared revitalized from the jump as the Gators took a 38-0 halftime lead and never looked back in downing Charleston Southern 53-6 in Saturday’s season opener.
And Jefferson, the redshirt junior transfer from Ole Miss who only just received immediate eligibility during preseason camp, was front and center in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
After fellow transfer Trevon Grimes commenced the scoring barrage on a 34-yard touchdown reception, Jefferson got in on the action to lead off the second quarter on a slant from quarterback Feleipe Franks for six.
“It was good, my first touchdown. It was electric,” Jefferson said. “I hope for many more.”
Jefferson and the Florida faithful didn’t have to wait long for his hopes to become a reality.
The 6-foot-2 playmaker hauled in Florida’s final touchdown of the first half, a three-yard pass from Franks, to give the Gators a commanding 35-point advantage.
It was readily apparent that the slant pass, while hardly the most attractive play in the offensive repertoire, was a play UF intended to use to its advantage.
When you consider Franks’ arm strength and Jefferson’s ball skills, it’s blatant why Florida plans on employing an offensive staple to create a mismatch in the defense.
Although the play seemingly worked to perfection against the Buccaneers, Florida’s upcoming opposition take heed: Jefferson believes the play can still improve.
“Really just a one-on-one situation, just make sure I lock the DB’s hips and get in front of them,” Jefferson said. “Me and Feleipe work on that countless times in practice, and it was just showing in the game, so you know he did a great job placing the ball. And I think I did a pretty good job of locking the DB’s hip; probably could’ve did a little bit better, but, you know, I’ll get that corrected this week.”
Franks praised UF’s wide receiver contingent in the process while concurring with Jefferson that Saturday’s offensive display was a sign of things to come.
“I think all of our receivers had a really good night. I tried to spread the ball around so everybody got a little touch. And then we got some big tall guys in the red zone that are quick as well, so I was running the fade ball and (Jefferson) would run a slant or whatever,” Franks said. “I think we’re just scratching the surface. We have a long way to go where everyone can reach their full potential.”
Before U.F was ‘”D.B.U.”, it was ”W.R. U.” See: Carlos Alvarez, Wes Chandler, #21 Chris Collinsworth (my middle school age hero, and a great Mr. Two-Bits, b.t.w.), Jack Jackson, Chris Doering, Reidel & Ike, Jacquez Green, and on and on… So, it’s truly great for me, as a big Gator W.R. fan, to see some playmaking at receiver again. And T.E. Krull looks like a beast, too. Keep it going, Gators! Just do it!
I agree with all of the above, three observations. First I will take this wide receiver corps over any in the country, I think they are truly special. Second, Franks appears to have progressed by leaps and bounds. While the competition may have been weak, he still looked better than at any time last year. Finally, not convinced the OL is where we need it. They should have dominated last night and they did…fine. After the next three game the jury will be in on the OL.
Yeah…..RS, I think the same thing about the OL. Better, but? Kentucky should be telling, Colorado State not so much given their start this season (but if Bobo is over his health issues maybe they’ll be better), and I’m not sure if the Vols will give us a test or not. They had a couple of bright moments, I think Pruitt is probably the right guy to bring them back to prominence, but let’s face it — they got stomped by a Big-12 team that’ll probably be about 3rd or 4th in their conference.
I agree, but all three are a major step up from Charleston Southern. Work that OL coach, if they are what we hope I think there will be a lot of shocked people and pundits with how well the Gators will do. Go Gators!
6 your right that’s why i graded the offense a B. They are not complete. OL is better. But have to have run game to be complete.
One Word: Dameon Pierce.
Yes did you see that special team tackle?
Holy cow!
MIA: 1) TampaGator, 2) Leland. Been thru twice, now 1115 EST. ?????
G-6–Arnie has decided my posts 1. are not on the subject, and 2. denigrate the writers, inter alia, and has been deleting my posts. Can you believe a journalist would sensor? A journalist, of all people!
You’ve read my posts–it’s at least partially true that I ignore a particular article’s putative subject but because in many there is little subject there, or it is so hackneyed that I respond with wisecracks and veiled contempt. But I have never made disparaging remarks about the writer or to the author–they have always been directed at the article, either its lack of content or its general ineptness or both.
This post will more than likely be deleted. If if isn’t, I’ll let you know what set Arnie off in a new post.
I honestly don’t think Arnold would do that, Leland. Why not just join as a member? It’s free, you just have to check each time that you’re still signed in (usually you are), and besides a one time bonus of a free sack of K, you can communicate directly with other members off the public forums.
Leland?
Leland?
Haven’t seen that kind of aggressive behavior from the old Orange and Blue in a long time.
Long way from The Swamp to home, and especially late at night. Takes longer to get out of Gainesville after a game than to drive home. Great environment. Will be a better one next Saturday night. Go Gators.
Thought you were missing in action or went native up there!
The Storm has started they did it. Keep doing it. Tick tock
https://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/generic?iso=20180908T1930&p0=3287&font=cursive
GO GATORS!
Gator65, I hope you find plenty to do in the meantime. Maybe some fishing?