UF takes away few positives after physical thrashing K Joseph breaks three records

ARLINGTON, Texas — Since January, UF senior Jordan Sherit’s long road to recovery from a knee injury had a much-anticipated destination to drive him.

The season opener against Michigan pitted two big-name programs on one of the biggest stages in sports. The build-up to Saturday’s nationally televised matchup in AT&T Stadium touched few Gators like it did Sherit.

So when the dust settled following a 33-17 loss, few Gators were more disappointed.

“It’s definitely not easy — especially in my case rehabbing for 7 months for this game,” he said.

The defeat was difficult to swallow for everyone on UF’s sideline, from 55-year-old coach Jim McElwain to quarterback Feleipe Franks and the 10 true freshmen playing their first college game.

Little, if anything, went well for all involved as the Wolverines dominated both lines of scrimmage, led McElwain to bench Franks and provided lessons for anyone donning orange and blue.

“Being the oldest guy in the room, I’m very hard on guys,” Sherit said. “[But] there’s a number of plays in my head that I could have done better. That’s just the approach we have to look forward.

“If you’re not chasing perfect, you’re not getting better.”

Fans who traveled to Dallas or tuned in from home would have taken a glimmer of hope. The Gators offered few positives or building blocks during a game much more lopsided than the score would indicate. Under pressure in Year 3 to produce a productive offense, McElwain spent the past month touting his options at quarterback, bevy of playmakers and an offensive line he insisted would be one of the strengths of the team. Instead, for the third time in seven games the Gators failed to score an offensive touchdown.

But UF’s game plan went south when Michigan’s physicality set the tone up front.

“I though we had a good plan, obviously,” McElwain said. “And then, as it turned out, the play was pretty much foiled by getting physically whooped by big, strong guys. And that was disappointing.”

McElwain did not seek out an easy excuse, beginning with the 10 players suspended for the game. This included the team’s most accomplished receiver, Antonio Callaway, and running back, Jordan Scarlett.

“That had no impact on the outcome of this game,” McElwain said.

But McElwain hinted the playcalling of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier might have held back the team’s playmakers.

For one, a handful of intriguing weapons entering the day were all but ignored.

Freshman tailback Malik Davis had one rush for 8 yards — longer than any UF runner; freshman receiver Kadarius Toney’s two catches for 27 yards came during the game’s final five minutes; and slot receiver Dre Massey finished with one catch for 2 yards.

“They were a big part [of the gameplan,]” McElwain said. “There was some stuff we didn’t get to.”

BOCA RATON —Florida Atlantic kicker Greg Joseph began his Owls career as a walk-on, but will finish it as a record-holder.

During FAU’s season-opening 42-19 loss to Navy on Friday night, Joseph broke three school records and tied another. He made a 24-yard field goal in the first quarter, an extra point in the second and a 54-yard field goal in the third.

Joseph’s 54-yarder was not only the longest in school history, but it also made him FAU’s all-time leading scorer and gave him the most made field goals in school history.

The graduate student now has 234 career points, passing Mark Myers (231) for the top spot. He also has 44 made field goals, breaking another Myers record (43). The previous school record for longest field goal was a 53-yarder, by Myers in 2003 and Mitch Anderson in 2012.

“I’ll look back on it in a couple years, but right now, I just want to win as a team,” Joseph said. “Get a ring with this team.”

Joseph’s previous career-long 50-yarder against FIU last season.

Joseph’s lone extra point of the night tied him with Myers for most PATs made (102). Joseph has made 92 consecutive extra points.

Joseph, an American Heritage-Delray graduate, could also break Myers’ all-time record for field goal percentage. Myers made 43 of his 59 attempts (72.9 percent). Joseph has made 44 of his 63 tries (69.8 percent).

Next game: FAU at Wisconsin, Saturday, Noon, Big Ten Network

Matthew DeFranks field goal was