Sophomore Year - Week 1 - BuckRogersRTG's Blog

BuckRogersRTG's Blog

Sophomore Year - Week 1

Posted on October 13, 2011 at 09:46 PM.

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Buck Rogers enters his sophomore season with high expectations. Rogers finished his freshman season strong and earned a nod as an All-American at QB for freshman. "I threw too many interceptions and forced too many passes last season. I have spent the off season learning how to watch film and understand defenses" stated Rogers during media day. Rogers also stayed on campus to work on his strength and conditioning and entered camp with noticeable improvements in overall strength and agility and his performance in camp this pre-season shows that he is ready to take the next step when it comes to leadership this year.

The coaches in the SEC took notice of Buck Rogers' late season improvement and voted him to the pre-season All-SEC Second Team. Rogers' led the Gators to victory in the Gators final 7 games last year, including victories over Alabama to win the SEC Championship and over Cincinnati to win the All State Sugar Bowl.

Game - Eastern Michigan (0-0) vs. #7 Florida (0-0)
The sell-out crowd was pumped up as the Florida Gators began their season in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium ranked #7. Eastern Michigan stole some of the excitement as they took the ball first and moved down the field for a TD and a 7-0 lead. The Gators looked to run the ball heavily on their first drive, starting with 5 straight rushes by new starter Greg Bell. The running game setup several play action passes, the second of which ended with Rogers hitting his tight end for a 37 yard TD.

Rogers would put the Gators up early in the second quarter when he connected for his second TD pass of the game on a long post route. After the Gators defense forced a turnover, Rogers led an effective 2 minute drill and recorded his third passing TD on a slant route against a blown coverage. A three and out by Eastern Michigan and 2 quick passes by Rogers setup the Gators for a field goal as time expired in the first half. The Gators led 24-7 at halftime.

The Gators looked to run the ball heavily once again as the 3rd quarter began but soon went back to Rogers' arm to convert several 3rd downs. Rogers would connect for the second time with his tight end on a slant route to give the Gators a 31-7 lead midway through the 3rd quarter. Rogers would add his 5th passing TD of the game when he found his HB in the flats as the 3rd quarter was winding down.

Rogers did not play in the 4th quarter and the Gators were able to get the opening week victory by scoring 51 unanswered points. The final score was 51-7. Rogers was named player of the game for the second time in his career. Rogers finished 18/21 for 325 yards and 5 TDs. Rogers would also be named player of the week for the SEC and NCAA for his efforts.

The Gators have another tune-up game in week 2 as the welcome Bowling Green into town.

Week 1 Game Highlights: