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UMASS at Florida: 3 Things Recap

By Justin Melton

Sep 3, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain (left) and Massachusetts Minutemen head coach Mark Whipple talk at mid field before a football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain (left) and Massachusetts Minutemen head coach Mark Whipple talk at mid field before a football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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We gave you three key things to focus on during Florida’s game against UMass. Now we will recap how those things played out and how they affected the game. Off we go.

1. Who is Going to Run the Football?

Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Jordan Scarlett got the start, and he looks to be the man for the Gators this season. He carried the ball 13 times for 70 yards. His two backups, Mark Thompson and Jordan Cronkrite, had 27 yards on nine carries between the two of them.

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The run game wasn’t really emphasized much during this game. Luke Del Rio attempted 44 passes. It is likely that Jim McElwain wanted to use this game as a practice for Del Rio. Expect Scarlett to see a few more touches later in the year.

2. Can UMass make the Gators miss Jalen Tabor?

Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) looks on in the third quarter during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) looks on in the third quarter during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

No they can’t. For the day, UMass quarterback Ross Comis completed just nine passes for 141 yards. The Gator defense dominated the Minutemen all game long. Tabor will be needed against more potent passing attacks, however. So let’s hope that he can avoid any further disciplinary issues.

3. Who is Going to be the Defensive Anchor at Nose Tackle?

Sep 5, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Justus Reed (97) is congratulated by defensive lineman Joey Ivie (91) as he sacked New Mexico State Aggies quarterback Tyler Rogers (17) (not pictured) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Justus Reed (97) is congratulated by defensive lineman Joey Ivie (91) as he sacked New Mexico State Aggies quarterback Tyler Rogers (17) (not pictured) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Joey Ivie got the start but, as is often the case with nose tackles, recorded no stats. It didn’t matter. Florida owned the line of scrimmage. They routinely harassed Comis and held the Minutemen to only 46 yards rushing as a team. The Gators may have struggled on offense, but thankfully their defense bailed them out.

Conclusion

Sep 3, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) throws a touchdown pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway (not pictured) during the first quarter of a football game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) throws a touchdown pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Antonio Callaway (not pictured) during the first quarter of a football game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Thank you for reading. What were your takeaways from the game? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter. Check in next week to see which three things to watch for as the Gators face off against the Kentucky Wildcats.

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