Florida Gators handle Vanderbilt Commodores in homecoming rout 38-14

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA — The Florida Gators shook off a slow start to win going away against Vanderbilt during homecoming on Saturday at The Swamp. Billy Napier and Co. took control late in the first half and stayed in command during the final two quarters.

Final score: Florida 38, Vanderbilt 14

Saturday’s blowout win came one week after the Gators suffered a deflating loss at Kentucky.

Florida, improves to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the SEC. The Gators now are 4-0 at home this season. The Commodores (2-5 overall, 0-3) now have lost five straight games this season. 

Just a year ago, Vandy beat Florida in Nashville.

Saturday, it was a different story.

Gators quarterback Graham Mertz completed 30 of 36 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Eugene Wilson, a freshman, had eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Another freshman, tight end Arlis Boardingham, added seven receptions for 99 yards and two scores.

Meanwhile, running back Montrell Johnson led the Gators with 135 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries.

All told, Florida finished with 495 yards of offense. Vanderbilt had 334.

Florida was without a few key players due to injuries, most notably the team’s leading rusher, sophomore running back Trevor Etienne (upper body), redshirt junior center Austin Barber and redshirt center Kingsley Eguakun.

Here’s a summary of how the Gators won Saturday …. 

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FOURTH QUARTER

-The Gators capped a 36-yard scoring drive with a 15-yard touchdown strike from Graham Mertz to Arlis Boardingham. The drive lasted just four plays. (FLORIDA 38-14, 7:19)

-The Florida defense just turned Vanderbilt over on downs and the Gators will take over at the Commodores’ 36 with 9:23 left.

–Trey Smack just capped a 54-yard Gators drive with a 40-yard field goal. Florida now has 431 yards of total offense. (FLORIDA 31-14, 12:12)

THIRD QUARTER

-Vandy answered a long Florida touchdown drive with one of its own. The Commodores just went 75 yards on only six plays and scored on Ken Seals 21-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins. (FLORIDA 28-14, 0:44)

-The Gators drove 91 yards on 14 plays and took a three-touchdown lead on Eugene Wilson’s 9-yard touchdown reception from Graham Mertz. The drive consumed 6:25. (FLORIDA 28-7, 3:16)

-Vandy got a first down and advanced to the Florida 47. The Gators, however, forced a punt and will take over at the Florida 9.

-Gators quarterback Graham Mertz was sacked on the first play of the half and got up slowly. He was taken out of the game and replaced by Max Brown. Florida went three and out.

SECOND QUARTER

-Florida took over at its 29 with 2:41 left and moved deep into Vanderbilt territory. The drive was kept alive by a roughing the passer. The Gators capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run from Montrell Johnson. Eight plays, 71 yards. (FLORIDA 21-7, 0:49)

-The Gators got to their own 32, but couldn’t advance any further. On 4th-and-21, they punted to the Vandy 5. The ‘Dores punted it back to Florida a short time later.

-Vandy drove al the way to the Florida 4 but came up empty. A third-down pass was complete but out of bounds. On fourth down, another pass fell incomplete.

-The Gators used a 28-yard run by Montrell Johnson to get into the Vandy red zone. Florida later scored on a 2-yard pass from Graham Mertz to Arlis Boardingham. Seven plays, 61 yards. (FLORIDA 14-7, 10:51)

-Vanderbilt gained 37 yards on eight plays, then faced 4th-and-5 at the Florida 43. The ‘Dores went for it and appeared to convert but they fumbled and the ball was recovered by Florida defensive back Jalen Kimber to end the threat.

FIRST QUARTER

-Short drive for the Gators ends at their own 47 and with a punt.

-Vanderbilt has tied the game on an 85-yard catch and run from Ken Seals to Will Sheppard. That was a two-play, 89-yard drive. (7-7, 6:15)

-Florida’s pass attempt by receiver Kahleil Jackson is late — and intercepted.

-The Gators defense just forced a quick three-and-out.

-Drive No. 1 for the Gators began on their own 7. A 34-yard run by Montrell Johnson got the Gators to the Vandy 19. Ricky Pearsall scored on a 14-yard end around shortly thereafter to give Florida the lead. The drive covered 93 yards in 9 plays. (FLORIDA 7-0, 9:05)

-Vanderbilt got a first down on the opening possession and reached the 50, but the Gators then forced a punt.

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