For the first time since 1989, the 17th-ranked Florida Gators lost its season opener against No. 11 Michigan Saturday afternoon at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
After a disappointing first half, the Wolverines stormed back in the second half to outscore the Gators 20-0 to walk out with a 33-17 victory.
Both teams struggled with quarterback play, however, Michigan was still able to run the ball efficiently as the Wolverines racked up 215 rushing yards, with senior running back Ty Isaac having a game-high 114 yards on just 11 carries.
Florida came into the game shorthanded with 10 players suspended, including starting running back Jordan Scarlett and star wide receiver Antonio Callaway.
The Gator defense still came to play as the swarming defense had two pick-6’s in back-to-back moments to give Florida a 17-10 lead.
Florida with back-to-back pick 6s. This time CJ Henderson with the score for the Gators. #MICHvsUF #CFB #GoGators pic.twitter.com/UplADdtDQk
— Fan Insider (@FanInsider_) September 2, 2017
After going into halftime down 17-13, the Wolverines erupted for three times during the first six minutes of the second half. After Karan Higdon’s 3-yard TD run, Ambry Thomas forced and recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff as it was all downhill for the Gators who gave up a touchdown on a sack late in the fourth quarter.
Noteworthy: Michigan’s Quinn Nordin became the first Michigan kicker in school history to make two 50-yard field goals in a single game. … Despite losing eight defenders to the NFL draft, the Wolverines held Florida to just 192 total yards, including just 11 rushing yards.
Up Next: With the win, Michigan improves to 1-0 on the season and will play its home opener next Saturday in a first-ever meeting against Cincinnati. With the loss, Florida looks to bounce back as they host Northern Colorado in their home opener on Saturday.
