[Mark Wheeler]

Florida returns home to the Swamp to take on Eastern Washington Sunday afternoon at 12:00 p.m. in Gainesville a game being shown on ESPN Plus.

Follow along in the game day thread as Rafael de la Santos, Cam Parker, and Chris Will post updates and observations.

[Cam Parker]

Gator Walk Pt. 4

New route, same swag

Shout out to @jxpouncey (40 second mark) with the denim and cowboy hat combo. Love to see it (1/2)@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/soFfdaaFhU

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Chris Will]

Exactly on hour until kickoff here in The Swamp@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/cf38oeYx8N

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Believe I saw QB Max Brown not dressed out and heading back into the tunnel as we were walking in. Could mean the return of Jack Miller III today. Something to keep an eye on, especially if the game gets out of hand as some expect.

[Cam Parker]

Some other news on the injury front as the special teams warm up: LS Marco Ortiz is out of the sling he’s been wearing. Still not playing today, but could be returning to the field soon.

[Cam Parker]

Under an hour to go until kickoff. Safe to say Florida’s attendance average will be heavily skewed after today’s game @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/HNn12Ev1hO

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Chris Will]

A small cheer from the scattered fans in attendance as the Gators exit the tunnel

[Cam Parker]

#Gators backup QB Max Brown is not dressed out for today’s game. Jack Anders is dressed out. Do not see Jack Miller III on the field @InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

As expected, Trey Dean III is not dressed out and is standing on the sideline right now. Had a bit of a limp while walking across the field.

[Cam Parker]

#Gators DB @_jhill5 warming up. He’ll get the start opposite of Jason Marshall Jr., his first appearance since the 2020 season @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/liRG2BjJIx

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

#Gators safety @Kamariwilson1 warming up. The former 5-star and true freshman will make his first career start today @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/VVisNUaq0U

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Brown talking with S Trey Dean on the goal line @InsideTheGators https://t.co/0cigjIpsCm pic.twitter.com/Yd3MQrWykt

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Chris Will]

Half hour til kickoff attendance update:@InsideTheGators https://t.co/eOJW8otIzs pic.twitter.com/U03Y8usJni

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Crowd slowly, and I mean slowly, piling in on the alumni side. Student section is nearly empty

[Cam Parker]

This feels like a home game from 2020. Couldn’t remember how long it’s been since a crowd was this small. That season feels so long ago

[Chris Will]

Getting Samford vibes with this game… minus the pregame rain from that infamous 2021 game.

[Cam Parker]

Florida wins coin toss and will defer.

Defense up first

[Cam Parker]

@AlachuaSchools Teacher of the Year in 2022 Todd Eckstein and @buchholzhs teacher Kendra Vincent are today’s honorary “Mr. Two Bits” pic.twitter.com/KOSlRpgLKM

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

True freshman Trey Smack’s first career kickoff goes for a touchback

[Chris Will]

Chief Borders gets the crowd going after the touchback on the opening kick. The crowd continues to fill in for the Sunday noon game

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by Chris Will.

[Cam Parker]

Miguel Mitchell immediately comes in for Tre’Vez Johnson. Expect him to see plenty of playing time today.

[Cam Parker]

Brenton Cox doing Brenton Cox things. TFL brings up 2nd and 7.

[Mark Wheeler]

Burney starts the game off in true Gator fashion with a missed tackle and then an offside by Boone.

[Cam Parker]

Even though he didn’t make the stop. It took nearly three guys to move Des Watson. Plugged the gap and Boone cleans it up

[Cam Parker]

First pass Hill sees in over a year and gives up the first down. Gonna be some growing pains for the DB

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Just spotted @Mike_Tarquin70, he's on the sideline and out of his boot. Good news for the future of the #Gators O-Line. @InsideTheGators

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) October 2, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Third down conversion on the completion against Hill.

[Cam Parker]

Update: Jack Miller III is currently not dressed out and is on the sideline

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Powell-Ryland comes in for Cox who appeared to have the slightest limp after that tackle.

[Mark Wheeler]

Miller with back to back stops to bring up fourth down.

[Cam Parker]

Not to overreact early, but Eastern Washington is doing anything they want against Florida. Strong start for the Eagles.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

First snap back in and there’s Cox with the sack

[Mark Wheeler]

EWU is making it look easy early on.

[Cam Parker]

Well, everything except run to Brenton Cox Jr.’s side. Loss of 7, his second TFL

Burney follows it up with a sack

[Mark Wheeler]

Burney gets the coverage sack.

[Romeg8r]

Our defensive schemes are horrid. We play off everybody. Hire Geoff Collins

[Chris Will]

Brenton Cox is locked in. He’s made multiple solo stops already and each time as gotten up with a total focus on the next play and no obvious celebration.

[Cam Parker]

Drive end’s in a field goal. EWU 3, Florida 0. 13-play drive covering nearly 7 minutes of time

Gators up next on offense.

[Cam Parker]

Despite being named the starter, Nay’Quan Wright is not starting. Montrell Johnson will get the first snap

[Cam Parker]

One play and one touchdown. Richardson and Shorter meet again, carrying over the electricity from last week.

75-yard score and Gators immediately in the lead. How about that start

[Rafael De Los Santos]

That was just as loud as when there’s a semi-full house

[Chris Will]

One play and one huge strike for AR to Justin Shorter. A whopping 11 second drive.

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by Chris Will.

[Mark Wheeler]

Wow! That was quick.

[Cam Parker]

Richardson’s longest pass of the season and possibly his career (waiting on confirmation). Shorter’s first TD reception of the season and his first since the FSU game (also from Richardson).

[Cam Parker]

Shorter the last two games: 8 receptions, 230 yards and a touchdown.

His previous three games: 6 receptions, 84 yards

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Miguel Mitchell comes in and makes the tackle.

[Cam Parker]

Shorter’s 75-yard touchdown was the longest of his career. His previous-high was 52 against South Carolina last season.

[Romeg8r]

We play way off everybody. Toney is just not good.

[Cam Parker]

Florida made the switch at kickoff duties from Mihalek to Smack to help the defense by getting more touchbacks (Mihalek was struggling in that area). Today is proving that that may not be the issue…

[Rafael De Los Santos]

The offense continues its strut from the Tennessee game.

The only problem is…so does the defense.

[Cam Parker]

Welcome back Jaydon Hill! Gets the stop on fourth down. Gators take over at the 18-yard line

[Chris Will]

The Eagles have gone aggressive on fourth down today (1-for-2). Great open-field tackling by the Gators on what in recent history would have typically ended up being a bigger gain.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

That’s better from a Florida DB.

Jaydon Hill makes the tackle and forces the turnover, we’ve seen a few of those missed this season.

Would like to see tighter coverage from the DBs moving forward.

[Cam Parker]

We do not have live stats at the moment. System is down and the UF communications team is working to get it back up.

[Cam Parker]

Needless to say, it’s been a morning

[Chris Will]

Gators taking a break on the video boards to highlight the losses from FSU and Kentucky yesterday.

[Cam Parker]

Two plays and two big plays for Anthony Richardson. 45-yard run on first down to the EWU 37-yard line.

All legs

[Chris Will]

Gators offense is moving with efficiency to say the least.

[Cam Parker]

Montrell Johnson easy 3-yard touchdown run set up by Zipperer’s big reception.

Mihalek’s kick is good and UF’s up 14-3 early.

[Cam Parker]

After that drive, Florida is currently averaging 31.4 yards a play.

They've run five plays@InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

The 3 yard touchdown run is the shortest gain of tge day for the Gators.

Oregon put up 70 on the Eagles. We’ll see if the Gators can get close to that.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Five plays for 14 points for the #Gators with 1:14 to go in the first.

Almost a field goal per play. @InsideTheGators

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) October 2, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Florida finally makes a play on special teams and it’s wiped out by by a face mask on Pyburn.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Devin Moore comes in for Marshall
Kimber in for Hill

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by Rafael De Los Santos.

[Cam Parker]

End of 1: UF 14, EWU 3

Gators with 157 yards of offense on five plays, including a 75-yard touchdown pass and a 45-yard run from Richardson.

Johnson has 10-yards and a touchdown on two carries

[Cam Parker]

Shorter’s touchdown:

1 ???? ➡️ ???@GVOaant makin’ it look easy!@GatorsFB x ? @SECNetwork + pic.twitter.com/FjBXusy4UJ

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 2, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Donovan McMillon is in at safety.

Secondary at the moment: Kimber, Moore, Torrence, McMillon

[Chris Will]

End of the first quarter and the stands are filled up nicely considering the circumstances surrounding the game today @InsideTheGators #Gators #Florida pic.twitter.com/WK8u9qjQfa

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

First appearances for Wright, Nick Elksnis and Jonathan Odom

[Chris Will]

First quarter time of possession…
EWU 12:55
UF 2:05

The score…
UF 14
EWU 3

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Richardson was holding his left hamstring heading into this drive.

He was seen receiving extensive stretching on his left leg from a trainer during warmups.

Something to keep an eye on moving forward.

[Mark Wheeler]

Odom and Elksnis in on this drive.

[Cam Parker]

Good throw by AR. Had Zipperer and Whittemore open past the marker but hits his tight end

Richardson is down

[Mark Wheeler]

What a great play by Richardson showing strength standing in there.

[Chris Will]

Jalen Kitna on the field for Anthony Richardson. The redshirt freshman out of Texas could see significant playing time today with the Gator offense looking dominant, Jack Miller out and Richardson possibly hobbled.

[Cam Parker]

@KitnaJalen’s first career pass goes for 22 yards to @slickseason_1 @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/m9TVcc20pJ

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Mark Wheeler]

Players on our 15 we anticipate seeing today who I’ve seen out there already

Summerall
Kitna
Elksnis

[Rafael De Los Santos]

@GVOaant is out of the tent with no limp as he watches @KitnaJalen drive the team downfield.@InsideTheGators

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Good news: Richardson is out of the tent and warming up on the sideline. We'll see if he comes back in @InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Kitna’s first two completions have gone for 22 yards and 14 yards.

[Chris Will]

Kitna’s first career snaps and the offense continues to chug along. Richardson is up and in the huddle during the injury timeout.

[Cam Parker]

Kitna's helmet is off. Looks like Richardson will finish the drive

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Odom joins in on the drive

[Cam Parker]

And just like that, Wright powers his way into the end zone, his second score of the season.

Gators close to matching their 27.3 ppg season average.

UF 21, EWU 3

[Rafael De Los Santos]

@GVOaant and @KitnaJalen exchange smiles as they shake hands on the sideline following that @B0SSMAN_5 TD.

Florida leads 21-3 with 9:22 to go in the second. @InsideTheGators

— Rafael De Los Santos (@rafdelossantos) October 2, 2022

[Chris Will]

Richardson returns to the game for one play as @B0SSMAN_5 finishes off the drive with a touchdown of his own. His second TD of the season.

UF 21
EWU 3
Q2 9:22

— Chris Will (@ChrisWill_TV) October 2, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Perkins with a big tackle and then a slip the very next play.

Pretty much sums up the defense up to now.

[Cam Parker]

Wright’s touchdown:

We're hummin', y'all. @B0SSMAN_5 punches it in for 6. pic.twitter.com/LK8kQ6nf51

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 2, 2022

[Chris Will]

There's more where that came from.

? Sideline Cam: @B0SSMAN_5 + @RichieLeonardIV pic.twitter.com/k3BwgvEwA9

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 2, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Jalen Kimber and Devin Moore continue their stint at CB for the drive.

Looks like Scooby Williams is out there with Corey Collier Jr. making their first appearances on defense.

[Mark Wheeler]

Oregon held EWU to 87 yards passing for the entire game. The Eagles have already surpassed that here in the second quarter.

[Romeg8r]

Because our DC is not very good.

[Cam Parker]

Florida had five true freshman on defense on the play after the break:

Shemar James, Miguel Mitchell, Chris McClellan, Kamari Wilson and Devin Moore.

Big change from the last few seasons@InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Richardson will remain at QB for the next drive.

Trevor Etienne making his first appearance.

Tight ends are Elksnis and Odom

[Cam Parker]

Again: one play and a touchdown. 76 yards.

Ricky Pearsall with his best Kadarius Toney impression.

Gators have now matched their PPG game average in one half of play.

UF 28, EWU 3

[Mark Wheeler]

It should always be Pearsall in motion instead of Henderson on that jet sweep.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

There’s something off about watching Lingard pace up and down the sideline. Stretching his legs, eating energy gels, staying game-ready.

Meanwhile, an unforgiving glance to the RB camp on the sideline and you can see Juluke huddled with Etienne and Johnson.

[Chris Will]

The offense continues to give the defense no break as they go one play and a long score again. Pearsall showing off his speed on the end around takes it to the house. Expecting lots of subs on the defensive end to compensate for the time on the field.

[Cam Parker]

Florida came into today averaging about 27 points per game.

They've got 28 in the first half.

Yes it's Eastern Washington, but today is a big confidence booster@InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Avery Helm finally sees the field opposite of Marshall.

[Cam Parker]

First takeaway of the day goes to McClellan on the fumble recovery.

Miguel Mitchell forced the fumble

[Chris Will]

Pair of true freshmen making their presence felt in this game.

[Mark Wheeler]

Hell of a catch by Whittemore.

[Cam Parker]

Pearsall’s TD run:

Unreal, @slickseason_1 ?

? https://t.co/22OKj3lRgi pic.twitter.com/rg8S6zkurL

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Richardson to Xzavier Henderson for the score. Henderson’s first TD reception of the season, Richardson’s fourth pass.

I believe that’s the first TD between the two in their careers.

Gators now up 35-3 with 3:02 left in the half

[Mark Wheeler]

That was just a well placed ball by Richardson on that touchdown.

The Gators are halfway to 70.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Wingo comes in for Miller.

Avery Helm returns for this drive alongside Marshall.

[Cam Parker]

We don’t have live stats due to technical difficulties on the UAA side, but it’s clear the Florida offense has been nothing but efficient, especially Richardson.

[Mark Wheeler]

Lee and Dexter were manhandled on that third down conversation.

[Chris Will]

Torrence gets up hobbling after that play. Seems to be careful with his left leg.

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by Chris Will.

[Cam Parker]

Florida's 35 first-half points today are the most by UF in a half since the Samford game of last season. The difference?

UF was down 42-35 at half in that game. Happy reminiscing everybody @InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

It looks like Ventrell Miller's day may be done. He's walking around without his helmet on or in his hand. Still in the defensive huddles, but he's vibing to Jack Harlow playing in the stadium@InsideTheGators

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Torrence II nearly with his first INT of the season and visibly upset he couldn’t hang on. It’s ok, though. EWU turns the ball over on downs.

UF goes into the half up 35-3

[Cam Parker]

#Gators 1st half stats:

Impressive day for Richardson and the offense. 21 plays, 370 total yards @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/lk9tJp6cyv

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Chris Will]

The time of possession split remains quite drastic at the half.
Gators 08:39
Eagles 21:21

Despite that split, Florida outgained Eastern Washington by over 150 yards while running less than half the plays.

Gators lead 35-3.

[Mark Wheeler]

Because of a couple of quick scores, Florida’s only run 21 plays in the first half.

However, they’ve gained 370-yards.

The Gators are averaging 17.6 yards each time they snap the ball.

[Cam Parker]

Showin' off the moves.

? Sideline Cam: @XXH_03 pic.twitter.com/4wr6wF9Mns

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Richardson will be the QB to start the drive. If this one ends in a UF TD, it’s hard to imagine he’ll stay in after.

[Mark Wheeler]

If he would have brought that out…

[Cam Parker]

And never mind. Richardson threw into five-man coverage and it’s picked off. That was greedy. 6th INT thrown by the QB

[Mark Wheeler]

Poor decision, poor throw.

[Cam Parker]

To add salt to the wound, Richardson had Pearsall wide open in the flat. Really don’t know what he was thinking on that throw.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Shemar James and Scooby Williams start the half at LB.

Helm and Hill start at DB with Torrence and Wilson at safety.

[Mark Wheeler]

Perkins might be the surest tackler in the secondary.

[Cam Parker]

Montrell Johnson is down after the carry but walking up on his own power. A couple of injury scares to starters today with Johnson, Richardson and Burney

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Daejon Reynolds is in at receiver

[Cam Parker]

Reynolds with the long catch on the crossing route. 54-yard gain

[Chris Will]

Austin Barber ran his blocking assignment about 10 yards down the field. That defender is now getting attention from the medical staff.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Napier has been in Richardson’s ear the entire timeout

[Cam Parker]

Florida’s first field goal attempt of the day is good, and Florida covering the spread.

Gators up 38-3

7-play, 73-yard drive

[Cam Parker]

Kamar Wilcoxson with a nice tackle, shed the block at the last second while setting the edge and a good clean tackle

[Cam Parker]

My oh my, Florida missed a gimme. Umanmielen’s forced fumble nearly picked up by Sapp, but EWU recovers.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

That was both Henderson’s best and worst punt return ever.

[Chris Will]

Kitna returns with the Gators up by 35.

[Mark Wheeler]

You have to secure the football before you consider a return. Good play by Umanmielen though.

[Chris Will]

A pair of firsts for the Gators on that drive. Kitna gets his first TD pass and Caleb Douglas gets his first reception and TD. What a throw by Kitna on the 62-yard TD.

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by Chris Will.

[Mark Wheeler]

Beautiful throw from Kitna.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Seemed like everyone went to congratulate Caleb Douglas on the sideline there.

For Kitna, Anthony Richardson was his biggest supporter. All smiles and hugs on the Gators’ sideline.

[Cam Parker]

Kitna’s first TD pass officially 61-yards. First career catch for Caleb Douglas

Gators backups on offense for the TD play

QB- Kitna
RB- Wright
WR- Reynolds, Douglas
LT- Barber
LG- White
C- Leonard IV
RG- Braun
RT- Waites

[Cam Parker]

What a dime.@KitnaJalen ➡️ @Caedeezy

? https://t.co/22OKj3lRgi pic.twitter.com/6NrX1e8UVc

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Ethan White comes out, Braun moves to LG and Jalen Farmer is in at RG. Another true freshman getting playing time

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Chief Borders is in along Jamari Lyons as the new faces in the game

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Lorenzo Lingard is in the game and it’s not for a knee.

[Chris Will]

End of the third quarter:
UF 45
EWU 3
Tom Petty Time in The Swamp…

[Chris Will]

Richardson hyping up Kitna after his first TD

So wholesome ? pic.twitter.com/O0yZpuI9Cj

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

Daejon Reynolds has shined today as well. Kitna looks so poised in the pocket. Back-to-back beautiful throws under pressure gives the Gators first and goal

[Cam Parker]

Jordan Pouncey making his first appearance today, in for Keeter

[Cam Parker]

Pouncey gets rocked on the screen pass. Missed block by Reynolds

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Austin Barber seemed banged up after that Lingard run.

That would be a detrimental injury to the Gators with Barber already filling in for Tarquin.

[Cam Parker]

Lorenzo Lingard with his first touchdown as a Gator. Been a long time coming for No. 21 and he gets swarmed on the sideline by the offensive starters and even some of the Gator DL.

Sixth different Gator to record a rushing touchdown this season (Johnson, Etienne, Wright, Richardson, Pearsall and Lingard).

[Mark Wheeler]

Pyburn had a nice bull rush there, and they could have called holding on the EWU left tackle.

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Diwun Black is having a good drive, three tackles, one for a loss

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Moore got turned inside out there for EWU’s first TD of the day.

Florida leads 52-10 with 8:35 to go.

[Cam Parker]

Nick Elksnis just came out of the locker room with a sling on his right arm. Talking to Zanders on the sideline

[Cam Parker]

Marcus Burke is now in at WR

[Rafael De Los Santos]

Griffin McDowell is in at TE with Elksnis spotted on the sideline with an arm sling.

[Cam Parker]

Rookie mistake by Kitna. Delay of Game. Napier immediately moved his mic to call over to Kitna from the sideline

[Cam Parker]

Local WR Kahleil Jackson’s first career catch goes for a first down. Played for local school Hawthorne under former Gator Cornelius Ingram

[Chris Will]

Kaheil Jackson with the full extension diving catch. The redshirt freshman out of Hawthorne was targetted on the following play, but the throw was just long.

[Cam Parker]

With Thai Bowman now in, I believe every Gator WR (not including the walk-ons) have played today

[Cam Parker]

Short snap and bad hold leads to a EWU block on Mihalek’s field goal attempt. Second blocked kick given up this season

[Chris Will]

Great attempt to save the play by Crawshaw on the poor snap, but the kick is still blocked to keep the game at 52-10.

• This reply was modified 4 months ago by Chris Will.

[Cam Parker]

@GVOaant talking to @diwunblack in the defensive huddle during the timeout @InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/R4JV0Xtwul

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

[Cam Parker]

DL Keenan Landry, a sophomore former JUCO player, makes his first appearance of the season

[Cam Parker]

DB Ethan Pouncey now in as well and forces an incomplete pass

[Cam Parker]

Walk-on Eddie Battle, a SEMO transfer, gets a 26-yard run. His first carry as a Gator

[Cam Parker]

With the clock winding down, it’s walk-on time.

Carslon Joseph, Taylor Spierto are in

[Cam Parker]

Final- UF 52, EWU 17

First game not decided in the fourth quarter today.

Dominating performance by the QBs and good performance by the starting defense

[Cam Parker]

Stats from the #Gators 52-17 win over Eastern Washington, courtesy of @CBSSports

Efficient on offense, bend but don't break on defense@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/sXpavG0B46

— Cam Parker (@camparker25) October 2, 2022

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