The Gators not only scored 41 or more points for the third time in four games, but also showed up on defense after an embarrassing showing against the Aggies. UF led 34-7 at one point and while the defense didn’t come up with a turnover, the Gators had three sacks and held the Tigers to 248 yards of total offense.
Kadarius Toney had two touchdowns running and one on a pass reception.
The game was marred by an ugly brawl at halftime after UF quarterback Kyle Trask (21 of 36, 345 yards, four TD passes) was hit late by Missouri’s Trajan Jeffcoat near the end of the half. Starting defensive tackle Zach Carter and reserve defensive lineman Antwuan Powell of the Gators were ejected.
“This was a big win for us today,” said Florida coach Dan Mullen, who appeared for his post-game news conference wearing a Darth Vader outfit for Halloween. “I was concerned. You’re talking about a Missouri team that lit up LSU, beat Kentucky, and hung in there with Alabama for a while.”
Of the brawl, Mullen said simply, “Our guys are going to defend our quarterback.”
The Bulldogs had a week off to recover from a 41-24 loss to Alabama on Oct. 17, and the Gators were playing for the first time in two weeks because of the number of players testing positive for the coronavirus since their 41-38 loss at Texas A&M on Oct. 10.
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The game-day experience on Saturday will mirror the policies that have been in effect for Jacksonville Jaguars games. Masks must be worn from the time fans walk through the gates until they leave, and may be removed only when “actively eating or drinking.” Seating will be socially distant and the parking lot will have a space between each car.
The city said no fans will be allowed in the stadium lots without a game ticket.
There is one key difference from Jaguars games: No tailgating will be permitted at all, a policy the city of Jacksonville said is in line with the policy at Florida and Georgia home games. The Jaguars “discourage” tailgating but fans are allowed to eat at their vehicles.
The tradeoff for fans is that beer and wine will be sold inside the stadium. That and all concessions are being sold on a cashless basis.
Of course, the two schools and the city have no control over private lots and there may be a party atmosphere there, for fans who decide to chance the coronavirus spike in the area.
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