Michigan takes down Florida

ARLINGTON, Texas — Quinn Nordin became the first Michigan kicker to make two 50-yard field goals in the same game, one of them in a quick go-ahead spurt after halftime, and the 11th-ranked Wolverines won 33-17 Saturday to hand 17th-ranked Florida its first season-opening loss in nearly three decades.

The Gators had won 27 consecutive season openers, the nation’s longest such streak, since a home loss to Mississippi in 1989.

“It’s gonna hurt, and if it doesn’t, then something is wrong,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said. “We have a lot more to play. I like this team, I like the guys on this team. I think we have a chance to grow and I believe we will.”

Michigan trailed 17-13 at halftime before scoring three times in the first 6 minutes of the second half.

After Karan Higdon’s 3-yard TD run capped a half-opening 75-yard, 10yard drive, Ambry Thomas forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff.

That set up a 30-yard field goal by Quinn, who then made a 50-yarder after Michigan recovered another fumble.

“This win was a good start for the season for us, build our confidence, allow us to see what we’re capable of,” sophomore linebacker Devin Bush said.

Nordin made four field goals, including a 55-yarder in the first half. He missed two attempts wide right in the fourth quarter, one of those from 52 yards.