UF steps up on third downs
GAINESVILLE — The pocket was closing and no one was open, so Kellen Mond ran.
The Texas A&M quarterback got 1 yard before he was met by Florida defensive lineman Taven Bryan, who slammed him to the turf.
Out came the Aggies’ punting unit.
After LSU converted six of its 14 third downs in its win against UF on Oct. 7, Florida coach Jim McElwain stressed the importance of forcing stops on third downs.
During the start of Saturday’s game, it appeared as if McElwain’s message was well received.
The Gators forced two consecutive three-and-outs to start the first quarter, causing two incomplete passes on both of Texas A&M’s third-down tries. But it didn’t stop there. Later in the first quarter, as Texas A&M faced a third-and-4 from Florida’s 29-yard line, the Gators
forced another incomplete pass after senior cornerback Duke Dawson swiped at a pass intended for Aggies receiver Christian Kirk. And on Texas A&M’s next drive, Mond was stopped short, forcing a punt to end the first quarter.
STAR RECEIVER PLAYS: After injuring his ankle against LSU last week, one of Florida’s most important offensive weapons, Tyrie Cleveland, was
able to A&M.
McElwain listed the sophomore receiver as questionable after Cleveland was injured during the Gators’ 17-16 loss to LSU. But according to McElwain, Cleveland had been “adamant” about playing through the injury. That was rewarded with playing time against the Aggies.
The sophomore has been Florida’s leading receiver this season, and entered play against Texas Saturday’s game with 15 catches for 326 yards.
TONEY HELD OUT: Florida receiver/running back hybrid Kadarius Toney did not play Saturday. Earlier in the week, McElwain listed Toney as doubtful after he injured his shoulder and shin against LSU.
Toney, a true freshman, has been one of Florida’s biggest surprises of the season. He has 118 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 11 catches for 107 yards.
NOTEWORTHY: Florida defensive end Jabari Zuniga didn’t play in Saturday’s game after injuring his ankle in practice earlier in the week. Before Saturday’s game, the redshirt sophomore was tied for first on the team with 2.5 sacks . ... Redshirt freshman linebacker Jeremiah Moon was also ruled out after injuring his ankle against LSU last week. Moon has 11 tackles and two quarterback hurries this season.