Florida Gators Survive Scare in First Game of Post-Tebow Era

If one looks only at the final score, 34-12, understanding the hardship the Florida Gators went through to get their first victory Saturday will not be possible.

The fourth-ranked Gators were one yard from holding a single-possession lead against the MAC's Miami RedHawks early in the fourth quarter, but a bad Miami penalty and a 72-yard run helped Urban Meyer's crew pull away in the first game of the post-Tim Tebow era.

With the win, the Gators are 1-0 and will remain ranked in the top five, but it certainly wasn't easy.

With just a 21-9 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Gators saw Miami drive deep into Gator territory. As the RedHawks prepared to go for it on a 4th-and-goal from the one, they were penalized 15 yards for a personal foul. Senior wideout Armand Robinson -- who led Miami with 11 catches for 112 yards -- kicked in the direction of several Florida defenders to incur the infraction. Miami had to settle for a field goal and two plays later Jeffery Demps shook free for a 72-yard run to give the Gators a 27-12 lead.

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Late in the fourth quarter, Florida tacked on a touchdown with a 4th-and-21, up-for-grabs pass ending up in the arms of Chris Rainey, after it was batted by several players, for the final score.

Other than a handful of plays, defense was definitely king in Gainesville. Florida outgained Miami 235-211, though the Gators had less than 100 yards in total offense entering the fourth quarter. There were seven turnovers (three from Florida, four from Miami). Of the five touchdowns scored, one was from defense (Florida safety Janoris Jenkins had a 67-yard interception return for a score in the second quarter).

In his debut as a starter -- taking over for the immortal Tebow -- John Brantley completed 17 of 25 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Florida's offense was plagued by the inability of consistent, quality snaps in the shotgun from center Mike Pouncey to Brantley. It didn't end up killing the Gators Saturday, but it's something the team needs to fix in the upcoming weeks.

Miami was doomed by its inability to get into the end zone and four interceptions from quarterback Zac Dysert. The RedHawks will face off against conference foe Eastern Michigan next week.

Florida will get South Florida of the Big East next Saturday.