UCF runs away from the Gators in the Gasparilla Bowl
The Florida Gators fell to the UCF Knights on Thursday evening after the AAC program dominated the second half, giving UF its first sub-.500 record since the 2017-18 season.
In the first six minutes of action, the Gators and the Knights each had two three-and-out drives, which made it look like fans were in store for a 60-minute slugfest.
Early penalties handicapped both teams from getting into the endzone.
Things finally got interesting when the Gators decided to feed running back Dameon Pierce six times who capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown rush to give the Gators a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.
The Knights answered quickly with a 10-play drive that was sparked by a 38-yard rush from UCF running back Johnny Richardson down to the Florida 34 yard line.
UCF running back Isaiah Bowser finished the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown, but the Knights failed on a two-point attempt, making it 7-6 for the Gators.
Florida linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper came up huge for the Gators on a third and goal when he sacked UCF quarterback Mikey Keene. The Knights settled for a field goal and took a 9-7 lead.
The following possession, Florida quarterback Emory Jones led a 4:40 drive for the Gators where he utilized both his arm and legs. He missed a wide-open receiver in Trent Whittemore, but Chris Howard drilled a 26-yard field goal, which gave the Gators a 10-9 lead heading into halftime.
Everything fell apart for the Gators in the third quarter. O’Keefe had a 74-yard run to make it first and goal for the Knights where Bowser scored on the next play, giving UCF a 16-10 lead. After the play, Hopper was ejected for throwing a punch.
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Florida answered with a 19-yard touchdown rush from Malik Davis, who had a couple of big runs that gave the Gators a 17-16 lead with 7:57 left in the third quarter.
Penalties built up for the Gators on the Knights’ ensuing possession, which made it easy for them in position to get a field goal, reclaiming a 19-17 lead, and they didn’t look back.
After more penalties halted a Florida offensive possession, Keene hit O’Keefe on a 54-yard bomb down the left sideline for a touchdown, putting the Knights up 26-17 with just over a minute remaining in the third quarter.
The nail in the coffin for the Gators was when Florida kicker Chris Howard missed a 45-yard field goal with 7:57.
The Knights ran the remaining minutes of the game away with Bowser who finished the night with 35 carries. They now have the right to claim the state championship of Florida after taking down the Gators 29-17.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
