Gators open with a thud

Quarterback questions linger after defeat

ARLINGTON, Texas — They like to do things big in Texas. Coach Jim McElwain is no different.

But rather than serve up a huge boost for his program and catalyst for a strong 2017 season, Saturday’s season-opening showdown between No. 17 Florida and No. 11 Michigan turned into a Texas-sized disappointment for McElwain’s Gators.

In front of an announced crowd of 75,802 and a national TV audience looking on at AT&T Stadium near Dallas, the Gators were beaten soundly on both sides of the ball by the Wolverines and lost 33-17, snapping UF’s nation-leading 27-game win streak in season openers.

“They physically took it to us. Give them their due,” McElwain said. “They beat us every which way they could up front and we never had an answer.

“Plan and simple, I’m taking it.”

Both programs entered sizable question marks.

UF ended the day with even more to ponder, including who will be the team’s starting quarterback and whether the Gators’ young defense can evolve into another elite unit.

“We got to look at a lot of things,” McElwain said. “And yet it’s not time to hit the panic button. We’ve got a good football team.”

Once again, though, the Gators are a team with quarterback questions.

Earlier in the week, McElwain named redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks the starter over veterans Luke Del Rio and Malik Zaire.

Early on Saturday, Franks looked like the right choice. He completed a perfect 34-yard toss to receiver Josh Hammond on the game’s second play, but the 19-year-old take your the whooping. game with