UF takes control in SEC East
JACKSONVILLE — Steve Spurrier was on hand at Jacksonville’ s TIAA Bank Field, watching the Florida-Georgia game he used to dominate.
Dan Mullen now knows the feeling.
Mullen picked up his first victory in the heated rivalry as Gators head coach in Spurrier-es que fashion, led by a quarter back wearing the No. 11 Spurrier made famous during his playing days.
No. 8 Florida’s resounding 44-28 victory over the No. 5 Bulldogs Saturday snapped the Gators’ three-game skid against Georgia and gave U Fa commanding lead in the SEC East title race.
Following the breakthrough win, Mullen hugged wife Megan and athletics director Scott Stricklin on the field before climbing into the stands to celebrate with fans.
“I’ m going to celebrate tonight, too,” Mullen said. “I might be 48 years old, but I’ m still really young onthe inside.”
The game also put quarterback Kyle Trask in the race for the Heisman, college football’s top individual prize won by Spurrier back in 1966.
With a national TV audience tuned in, Trask extended his streak of at least fourtouchdown passes to five games, a first during the storied history of the SEC.
“I think he’s doing a heck of a job, having a great year,” Mullen said. “If you play well and the team plays well, individual awards follow.”
Trask showcased his to rally the Gators (4-1).
The red shirt senior started the game 0-of-3 passing while Georgia (4-2) built a quick 14-0 lead, beginning with a 75-yard run by Zamir White on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Tr ask later had a pick-six to give the Bulldogs a 21-14lead.
Yet, when Trask headed to the locker room he was 20-of26 passing for 341 yards and four touchdowns, including three during the second quarter as the Gators scored 24 unanswered points to seize control of the game.
“We were down 14-0 and we had no panic,” Trask said.
Trask would finish with a 474 passing yards— a career-high— and the most by a UF quarter back during a regular-season game.
“It feels good and all,” Trask said. “It’s just a reflection of how this offense is working. I’m just trying to execute the game plan and domy job.”