By Scott Crumbly
Twitter: @ScottCrumbly
SEC Digital Network
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators notched their first victory of the 2012 season against Bowling Green thanks in large part to Mike Gillislee’s career day on the ground. The senior ball-carrier recorded his first career 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
Bowling Green struck first by constructing a 12-play, 89-yard drive in the early going. The Falcons moved methodically down the field before John Pettigrew punched the ball into the end zone on a 1-yard run to take a 7-0 lead at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The Gators (1-0) responded nicely with a 13-play, 85-yard march orchestrated by quarterback Jeff Driskel. The drive was punctuated by a 15-yard touchdown scamper from Gillislee, who found the end zone again just over four minutes later on a 38-yard scoring run.
Bowling Green (0-1) tied the game early in the third quarter on a 12-yard touchdown run from Anthon Samuel, but the Gators regained the lead on the ensuing possession with a 34-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis. In the fourth, Driskel put the gators up 24-14 with a 50-yard touchdown pass to Frankie Hammond. The score was set up by Florida corner Marcus Roberson, who picked off Falcons’ quarterback Matt Schilz four plays earlier and returned it across midfield.
Driskel saw the majority of the snaps at quarterback for the Gators after battling Jacoby Brissett for the starting job throughout camp. The sophomore closed out the contest with 114 yards and one touchdown through the air.
Statistical Leaders
Florida
Passing – Jeff Driskel, 10-of-16, 114 yards, 1 TD
Rushing – Mike Gillislee, 24 car, 148 yards, 2 TD
Receiving – Frankie Hammond, 3 rec, 62 yards, 1 TD
Bowling Green
Passing – Matt Schilz, 24-of-49, 204 yards, 1 INT
Rushing – Anthon Samuel, 13 car, 39 yards, 1 TD
Receiving – Chris Gallon, 6 rec. 69 yards