Gators senior running back Mike Gillislee rushed for a career high 148 yards and two touchdowns as Will Muschamp and Florida kick off their 2012 campaign with a 27-14 win over Bowling Green University.  The Gators win was not the cleanest victory however as the Gators committed 14 penalties for 106 yards.

The Gators fell behind early to the Falcons as Bowling Green took the ball on their second drive of the game 89 yards on 12 plays for the first score of the game.  John Pettigrew’s one yard touchdown run put the Falcons up 7-0 over the Gators.

Florida answered back immediately on their next drive with one of         Gillislee’s rushing touchdowns in the game.  The Gators took the ball on a 13 play drive of their own, and 85 yards later Gillislee rushed for a 15 yard touchdown to tie the game at seven.

After back to back three and outs forced by the Gators defense, Gillislee struck with his longest run of the afternoon on the first play of the ensuing drive.  Gillislee’s 38 yard touchdown run put the Gators in front 14-7.

Bowling Green came back in the second half on their first possession of the half.  An eight play 55 yard drive resulting in an Anthon Samuel 12 yard touchdown run tied the game at 14 a piece. 

The Gators would end the game outscoring the Falcons 13-0.  Caleb Sturgis put the Gators back in front late in the third quarter with a 34 yard field goal to make it 17-14.  The Gators then added to their lead early in the fourth quarter as Jeff Driskell hit Frankie Hammond with a 50 yard touchdown catch and run to make it 24-14. 

Sturgis added a second field goal mid way through the fourth quarter making it 27-14, and the Gators ran out the clock for their first win of the season for the 23^rd consecutive year. 

Quarterback Jeff Driskell finished 10-16 for 114 yards and a touchdown.  Jacoby Brissett did see action in the game going 3-5 for 31 yards.  The Gators outrushed the Falcons 216-101 although the final offensive numbers were closer at 361-327 in favor of Florida.

The Gators will travel to College Station, TX next week for a showdown with Texas A&M.  You can catch all the action on 1250am WHNZ with a 1:30pm pre-game, and a 3:30pm kickoff.