Chris Rainey's recent return to the team helped lift the Gators' offense to a dominant performance over Vandy today.
It seemed to be a game of highlights for the Gators after something of a slow start. Florida had 480 yards of offense, and the defense had 4 sacks and forced three turnovers. Even 312-pound defensive tackle Terron Sanders returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Perhaps the biggest show of the night came from the Gators’ wide receiver Chris Rainey, who blocked two punts and added a 40-yard touchdown reception from John Brantley.
After a three-game losing streak that ended a week ago with a last-second win over Georgia, Florida (6-3, 4-3) is now ready to play South Carolina next weekend to find out which of the two teams will win the SEC East.
Vanderbilt (2-7, 1-5) lost its fourth game in a row, and struggled in a game that was riddled with injuries. Running back Warren Norman was already out for the season with a wrist injury, and Zac Stacy, who started in his place, had to be stretchered off the field in the second quarter after suffering a concussion and being knocked unconscious. Wesley Tate then had to leave before halftime with an ankle injury.
A Gator offense that has been in flux recently after an anemic start to the season saw further changes today. Freshman phenom Trey Burton saw a little less action at quarterback today, while Jordan Reed played almost the entire second half. The Gators now have three quarterbacks that they rotate for different purposes, and so far the change seems to be for the best.
One previously missing element in the Gators’ lineup has been Chris Rainey, who played in his second game back after a five-game suspension for sending a threatening text message to his girlfriend.
