Welcome To 2016: Citrus Bowl Recap

The University of Florida Gators couldn’t find a way to win the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl as the University of Michigan coasted to an easy victory, 41-7.

The Gators had a topsy-turvy first half that featured a few Homer Simpson “D-Oh” moments as well as several moments of pure joy.

Let’s start with the good.

The Gators were able to run a successful trick play for a touchdown. Quarterback Treon Harris walked to the right side of the offensive line and gave a dummy audible call. As that was in process, a direct snap went to running back Kelvin Taylor. He went to his left and tossed it to wide receiver Antonio Callaway on a reverse. After rolling to the right Callaway would granny-toss a touchdown pass to Harris. The Gators tied things at seven.

Another nice trick play occurred after the Gators initiated a flea flicker. Harris stepped up and took off for a 20-yard first down run.

Now . . . The bad. You knew it was coming.

A fake field goal attempt went about as terrible as a special teams play can. Holder Johnny Townsend was intercepted after he tried to throw a shovel pass. Florida faithful were not happy. (See Tweet)

2016 started well for Harris; he was 7-for-15, with 120 yards passing and even had a receiving touchdown. Not Bad. However, pass attempt number 16 changed Harris’ “New Year, New Me” into déjà vu all over again for Gator faithful. A lofted pass attempt as he rolled right trying to avoid a sack fell into the hands of Wolverine safety Jarrod Wilson’s hands. Thus ended the Wolverines shot at tying the game up at 14 in the waning moments of the first half.

The Wolverines countered with three points to extend the lead to 17-7, taking a 10-point lead into the locker room.

The story of the half was a little like a lot of people’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. It started well, looked like it was going to be a great time, and then they woke up to a hangover. That’s what it felt like at half. Trick plays galore, an offense that looked capable, and a defense that looked relatively non-existent were the overarching themes.

The second half wouldn’t go any better. The Wolverines opened the half with a long drive into the red zone. Facing a third-and-two inside the 10, the Gators would get caught with 12 men on the field, allowing Michigan to gain a first down inside the five-yard line. A touchdown shortly followed. A quick three-and-out where the Gators couldn’t move the ball would allow Michigan to get the ball back. Jake Rudock once again fed the Gator secondary some medicine with a strike to Jehu Chesson, beating star corner Vernon Hargreaves III again, and then Sione Houma would power home the rushing touchdown to put Michigan up 31-7.

More three-and-outs ensued for the Gators. More scoring followed for the Wolverines. Things were not well. Florida lost. Well, I say lost, it was embarrassing. The Wolverines ran the score up to a devastating 41-7 tally.

However, this shouldn’t be totally surprising to most Florida fans. The team has suffered a ton of losses this season and trying to recover is tough. But getting embarrassed is never exciting. The team came into the season projected to get six, maybe seven wins. However, they made it to 10. That says something. With signing day coming up and the Gators in prime position to win with some top-tier recruits, the days of embarrassing bowl losses should be numbered.