Florida football: Issues emerge in Gators’ landslide victory

3. Many missed opportunities

The Gators cruised in this one, but for a while the Rams were able to stay close because of Florida’s missed opportunities that left the door open. On Colorado State’s first drive of the game, punter Ryan Stonehouse dropped snap on punt, giving the Gators the ball on the Rams’ 11-yard line. The Gators mustered only a field goal.

On Colorado State’s second drive, a dropped interception by sophomore Brad Stewart gave CSU a field goal attempt that was missed.  Franks quickly gave the ball back on an interception and the Rams responded by fumbling on their first play. Rather than taking advantage of a second fumble, the Gators went backward and were forced to settle for a 48-yard field goal.

In a first half that was mostly controlled by the Gators, the offense being unable to take advantage of early opportunities was the only thing that allowed Colorado State to remain in the game. Those misses didn’t hurt the Gators that much against a Mountain West foe, but it’s not going to cut it in the SEC.