Florida early, Miami late define first half

Three fourth down conversions for Florida and a 66-yard run defined the first half for the Gators, but a late surge in the second quarter has so far defined the game.

Punters are people too. 

Miami marched right down the field on the opening drive of the game. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham threw early blitz packages at first-time starter Jarren Williams and Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos was ready. 

Three screen passes gave the Hurricanes 51 yards. A sack by Ventrell Miller pushed the 'Cans back seven yards and eventually forced a fourth down, resulting in a field goal by Bubba Baxa. 

The next drive, Florida ran three plays only to get five yards. The drive was over and a Miami team with all of the momentum was going to get the ball back. 

IN COMES TOMMY TOWNSEND. The punter took the snap and ran to the right side for five yards, giving the Gator offense another try and proving that punters, indeed, are people too. 

Just one play later, Florida showed that it knows how to run screen passes too. Feleipe Franks threw a short ball to Kadarius Toney who took care of the rest. He made three defenders miss on his way to a 66-yard touchdown. 

Then, the offense that looked so good on drive No. 1 was abysmal in drive No. 2. 

A four-yard catch, a sack, a delay of game penalty and a short run later, the 'Canes punted the ball to away. 

UF's next drive saw two fourth down conversions to get inside the red zone, only to result in a fumble that gave the Hurricanes the ball back on their own nine-yard line. 

That drive brought nothing, more mistakes, more negative plays, and a punt getting the Gators back inside the 50. However, Malik Davis gave Miami the ball back by way of a fumble just two plays later. 

Then Miami got their first meaningful play since the first drive. Deejay Dallas took it straight up the middle for 24 yards. That drive gave the Hurricanes another field goal to put them within one and make the score 7-6. 

The next drive for Florida did nothing other than give Miami bad field position. After taking the ball on the 33-yard line, the Gators only accumulated five yards. BUT Townsend came in and booted the ball inside the 10-yard line. 

The next drive, Miami picked up a few first downs, including an 18-yard reception by Jeff Thomas on 3rd and 16. Dallas got in the action again as well, breaking two tackles on his way to a 40-yard gain that placed the 'Canes at the 10-yard line.

A holding call pinning Miami at the 25-yard line would end up inconsequential, as Williams found Brevin Jordan on a 25-yard strike to put the 'Canes up 13-7. 

The next drive for Florida resulted in nothing, ending the half with Miami up six.