Florida’s 10-0 lead over Missouri in the first half of Saturday’s Homecoming clash turned out to be a mirage — as one might expect an advantage built on a field goal after an unexpectedly great punt return and a pick-six to be. And by halftime, the Gators had coughed all of it up, and left fans choking on a dyspeptic bit of game management.
So how to explain the 24-17 final margin in Florida’s favor? Maybe by saying the Gators dispelled some smoke and smashed some mirrors.
After tallying just 66 yards of total offense in the first half, Florida’s ground game came to life after intermission, with Montrell Johnson Jr.