Three things we learned from Florida’s 30-10 win against Arkansas:
1. Someone may have mis-evaluated Tyler Murphy along the way.
Either Murphy is a terrible practice player or the most-capable quarterback on Florida’s roster took way too many mental reps and played too much scout team. Murphy’s poise in the pocket, sense of the pass rush and accuracy stand in stark contrast to that of Jeff Driskel, even though he was under center for 11 wins since the start of 2012.
Murphy also is an elusive runner, though Driskel had more home-run ability because of his straight-line speed.
When Driskel’s season ended with a broken leg against Tennessee, the Gators’ season appeared to be in peril. Instead, Murphy’s stellar play has surprised everyone — apparently even his coaches.
Murphy has one turnover and has accounted for seven scores in three games, or four fewer turnovers and four more touchdowns than Driskel in 2013.
Next week’s visit to LSU clearly will be Murphy’s biggest test. But after three games, regardless of competition, it is clear Murphy deserved this chance.
Even against weak opponents, Driskel never was 16-of-22 for 240 yards and three touchdowns as Murphy was against Arkansas.
2. The Wildcat formation no longer is effective.
There may have been a time when the sight of Trey Burton lined up at quarterback created some confusion and mismatches for opposing defense. Now the playcall is a cause for celebration.
The Gators trailed 7-0 and faced first-and-goal from the Arkansas 6-yard line when offensive coordinator Brent Pease inexplicably opted to run a play out of the Wildcat formation. Burton promptly was dumped for a 2-yard loss, the Gators lost momentum and two plays later kicked a field goal.
The Wildcat works when teams do not know what to expect, but Burton is not a threat to pass the ball and does not have the ballhandling skills needed to trick a good defense. It’s surprising a conservative coach such as Will Muschamp hasn’t torn this page out of the playbook.
3. Sweet Lou is back.
Big things were expected from junior Loucheiz Purifoy this season. After three games with one signature play, a blocked punt at Miami, Purifoy reminded everyone why he generated so much offseason buzz.
Purifoy’s 42-yard interception return for a touchdown gave Florida a 10-7 lead and shifted the momentum in the Gators’ favor the rest of the night.
Purifoy also chipped in a sack and forced a fumble on a cornerback blitz. He finished with four tackles and a team-high three pass breakups.
Purifoy said he was a little frustrated he did not meet expectations early in the season, mainly because he felt he had let his teammates down.
But showing the confidence that makes him a special player, Purifoy explained why he showed up big Saturday night in the Swamp.
“They always say big players come out when the lights come on,” he said.
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