Trask’s career day lifts No. 10 Florida over Vandy, 56-0
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Kyle Trask threw for a career-high 363 yards and three touchdowns — the best passing performance by a Florida quarterback since Tim Tebow’s college finale — and the 10th-ranked Gators overcame a lackluster start to thump Vanderbilt 56-0 Saturday.
Florida (8-2, 5-2 Southeastern Conference) was sluggish early, failing to convert a fourth down on the opening possession against the league’s worst defense, missing a field goal and throwing two interceptions. It looked like another version of the “Cocktail Party Hangover,” which seems to happen every year after losing to rival Georgia in the game dubbed the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.”
But the Gators responded with their most dominant quarter of the season, turning a 14-0 lead into a laugher in the Swamp. It ended with a sixth consecutive victory against the Commodores (2-7, 1-5) and 28th in the last 29 years.
Trask completed 25 of 37 passes and ran for a score before giving way to Emory Jones. Trask’s yardage was the most by a Florida quarterback since Tebow threw for 482 yards in the 2010 Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati.
Trask looked off early but was nearly perfect late. The junior got plenty of help along the way.
Trevon Grimes took a screen pass and ran 66 yards for a touchdown on Florida’s first play of the second half. Trask connected with Tyrie Cleveland and Kyle Pitts on consecutive plays, the second one for a 15-yard score. Jon Greenard scooped up a fumble and rumbled 80 yards for a score.
Kadarius Toney topped all those plays with a 26-yard run in which he juked three defenders and set up Jones’ first of three TD runs.
Freshman Mohamoud Diabate, filling in for injured linebacker Jeremiah Moon, notched three sacks — including the one that led to Greenard’s fumble return. And safety Brad Stiner intercepted two passes, picking off both Vanderbilt quarterbacks.
Junior Deuce Wallace made his first career start but was far from effective. He completed 7 of 18 passes for 60 yards before giving way to freshman Allan Walters.
They were on the field because Mo Hasan and Riley Neal are recovering from concussions.
Vanderbilt had a chance to avoid the shutout, but Ryley Guay badly hooked a 50-yard field goal attempt with 3:54 remaining.
THE TAKEAWAY
Vanderbilt: The Commodores entered the weekend with the worst offense and defense in the league. And they’re unlikely to move up after finishing with 128 yards and giving up 560.
Florida: The Gators moved a step closer to double-digit wins for the second straight year. They’ve accomplished that feat 15 times in program history, all of them since 1990.
FLAGGED AGAIN
Vanderbilt running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, the best player on the league’s worst offense, was penalized for a personal foul for the second consecutive week — both for retaliating the after whistle.
Vaughn pushed safety Jeawon Taylor in the facemask after a no-call on what looked like a late hit. Vaughn trudged off the field, tossed down his helmet, sat near the bench and removed his right shoe.
He finished with 28 yards on 15 carries.
KEY INJURIES
Vanderbilt receiver C.J. Bolar left the game in the first half after getting walloped near the sideline. Right guard Cole Clemens left early in the third quarter with a left leg injury.
Florida safety Brad Stewart injured his left knee in the first half, was cleared to return and then had to be helped to the locker room on the next possession.
UP NEXT
Vanderbilt: Hosts Kentucky next Saturday. The Wildcats have won three straight in the series.
Florida: Plays at Missouri next Saturday. The Gators have dropped two in a row and four of six in the series.
