It did not take Jeff Driskel too long to get into a rhythm during Florida’s 65-0 rout against Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
In his first game under new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper, the redshirt junior quarterback tied his career high for pass completions (22) and attempts (33) after just the first half.
Driskel finished the game going 31 for 45 with 248 yards and a touchdown.
"I think I was very comfortable out there and knew what I was doing," Driskel said. "We didn’t overcomplicate the game plan, but we executed really well. I think that’s the key to it. When you’re able to refine what you’re doing and do it over and over again, you can be more comfortable with what you’re doing."
The Gators managed to run 86 plays against the Eagles on Saturday, which was about 20 more than Florida averaged in 2013 (66.1).
Despite UF’s increased pace in its season opener, coach Will Muschamp said Florida can move even faster.
"I think we can change tempo based on the game situation and how we want to go about things," Muschamp said. "That’s never really presented itself. We felt pretty comfortable in the rhythm we were in. There was a little uncertainty of what they were going to be in defensively on what we do, so that’s why (offensive coordinator) Kurt (Roper) wanted to take a little slower approach, be on the line and see what they do, identify that."
Offensive line shifting: With starting left tackle D.J. Humphries out for at least two weeks, Chaz Green will start at left tackle while Rod Johnson will start in Green’s place at right tackle.
"(Johnson) played extremely well early on in the game," Muschamp said. "Obviously, there was some anxiety in your first time playing in those situations. But as the game wore on, we thought he played very well. Climbed on the second level and the run game. Did a nice job of doing some of those things, really settled down as far as protection was concerned."
Muschamp also said that true freshman David Sharpe — who replaced Humphries during the Eastern Michigan game — will also receive playing time at both tackle positions during Florida’s game against Kentucky on Saturday.
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Jeff Driskel scrambles in the backfield during Florida's 65-0 win against Eastern Michigan on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
