Freshman Year - Week 3 - BuckRogersRTG's Blog

BuckRogersRTG's Blog

Freshman Year - Week 3

Posted on September 29, 2011 at 12:38 AM.

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Practice
Buck Rogers' first career start was a success as he threw for 3 TD passes and over 200 yards, leading the Gators to a victory over UAB. Rogers' performance earned the confidence of the head coach and put him into position to challenge for the starting job at QB. Rogers' confidence was evident as he was able to secure the permanent starting job in the first half of practice.

Game - Tennessee at #22 Florida Gators
The Tennessee Volunteers came into Gainesville to face off with their bitter rival Florida Gators. The Gators gameplan featured running back Steve Smith heavily on the first drive, which Tennessee was prepared for. On the second drive, the Gator's coaching staff opened up the playbook and allowed Buck Rogers the opportunity to show what he could do against an SEC defense. Rogers led the Gators down the field with 3 straight completions which led to a 17 yard TD run by Smith and a 7-0 lead for the Gators. After the Vols tied the game at 7, Rogers would connect for an 80 yard TD on a corner route to put the Gators back on top.

Rogers would get a little too confident and tried to force a pass down the sidelines that would be intercepted on the next Gators drive. The interception led to a TD for the Vols. After a 3 and out for the Gators, the Vols would drive down the field and tack on a field goal before halftime to take a 17-14 lead.

Rogers and the Gators took their first drive of the second half down the field to reclaim the lead when Rogers would scramble and run the ball in for an 11 yard TD. Rogers connected with the tight end as the 4th quarter began to extend the Gators lead to 28-17. A late field goal in garbage time made the final score 31-17.

Rogers was named player of the game for the first time in his college career, ending the day 14/21 for 254 yards with 2 passing TDs, 1 INT, and 1 rushing TD.

Buck Rogers and the Florida Gators will make their first road trip of the season as they travel to face the University of Kentucky.

Week 3 Highlights: