Instant Analysis: Thrill of Victory
The legend of Feleipe Franks was born Saturday afternoon in The Swamp as Florida beat SEC rival Tennessee at the buzzer.
The game’s final play proved to be the biggest. Tied 20-20 as time expired, Franks launched a Hail Mary that gave No. 23 Florida a thrilling 26-20 win over No. 24 Tennessee.
Instant Analysis now examines the Gators' thrilling last-second win over Tennessee.
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IT WAS OVER WHEN: This one really wasn’t over until the very end. As time expired, Franks launched the ball 63 yards for sophomore wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland. The hail mary touchdown gave the Gators a thrilling 26-20 win that will be talked about for ages in Florida folklore.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: For Florida, redshirt sophomore defensive end Jabari Zuniga caused constant pressure and came up with a huge sack late in the third quarter. After a six-yard loss, Tennessee kicker Brent Cimaglia missed a potentially game-tying field goal. Franks, however, will rightfully be remembered as the hero of the game.
THE STATS DON'T LIE: Tennessee missed three of its five field goal attempts. The game was 20-20 as time expired, one of those field goals could have swung the game in UT’s favor.
WHAT A PLAY: This is one obvious – the Hail Mary takes this category, too. Franks’ arm strength won the Gators this game on a beautifully thrown bomb to Cleveland.
THESE MATCH-UPS PROVED KEY: Florida’s secondary against the Tennessee’s passing attack was the matchup that swung the game in the Gators’ favor. A red zone interception by senior cornerback Duke Dawson and a pick-six by CJ Henderson gave Florida a 10-14 point advantage.
UP NEXT: Florida (1-1, 1-0 SEC) travels to Kentucky for its first road contest of the season and looks to improve to 2-0 in conference play.
Stay tuned with ITG, as we provide more post-game coverage tonight of Florida's thrilling victory against Tennessee.
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