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Florida fans saw something that had never been seen before Saturday night against the Kentucky Wildcats.
For the first time in program history, the Gators started a tandem of true freshmen at the quarterback and running back positions. UF quarterback DJ Lagway and running back Jadan Baugh made starts after first-string quarterback Graham Mertz and running back Montrell Johnson Jr. suffered injuries in Florida’s previous matchup.
The change would’ve seemingly been a hurdle against one of the best defenses in all of college football. However, the Gators prevailed. Florida (4-3, 2-3 SEC) defeated the Wildcats (3-4, 1-4 SEC) 48-20. Baugh scored five touchdowns and single-handedly took down a defense that ranked top-15 in points, rushing yards, passing yards, and total yards allowed per game.
Inside the Gators‘ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Gators sophomore defensive back Cormani McClain recorded a pick-six with 3:23 left in the fourth quarter.
McClain was a five-star product out of high school and played his first season at Colorado before transferring to Florida during the offseason. He failed to record a single snap until starting defensive back Jason Marshall Jr. suffered an injury to his right arm/shoulder late in the contest.
McClain made the most of his first appearance and picked off Wildcats quarterback Brock Vandagriff to extend Florida’s lead to 48-20.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Baugh had one of the most impressive performances for a Gators’ freshman in the last two decades. Baugh logged three touchdowns in the first half and finished the contest with five scores.
The last time a Gators freshman scored three or more touchdowns was in 2010, when Florida dual-threat quarterback Trey Burton recorded six touchdowns in a 48-14 rout of the Wildcats.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Florida’s defense has been on a tear since its bye week. In the four games prior, the Gators allowed 28 points and 426 yards per game. Since then, Florida has held its opponents to 19 points and 298 yards per game.
Additionally, the Gators recorded eight total sacks prior to the bye week. Since then, UF has logged 11 sacks. The pressure, the tackling and the overall effort of Florida’s defense has looked significantly better in its last three contests.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Florida’s secondary put on a clinic against Vandagriff.
Vandagriff finished his night 12-for-26 with 165 passing yards and two interceptions. Gators redshirt senior safety Trikweze Bridges had a fantastic performance, recording 10 tackles and an interception. Florida cornerback Devin Moore logged eight tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. The entire secondary had six pass breakups.
Even the defensive line played superbly. The unit recorded three sacks, seven quarterback hits, and defensive end Jack Pyburn logged eight total tackles.
WHAT A PLAY: Lagway aired it out several times throughout the game, but no pass was more impressive than his 40-yard heave to wide receiver Elijah Badger in the fourth quarter.
The catch extended Florida’s final scoring drive on offense and secured the insurance score when Baugh punched it in from the 1-yard line.
The duo connected three times for 148 yards and an average of 49 yards per reception.
UP NEXT: The Gators (4-3, 2-2 SEC) enter a bye week before traveling to Jacksonville for a matchup against the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (5-1, 2-1 SEC) Nov. 2. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
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