Sunday, 3 a.m.
Short of a turnover, it might be the most dominant defensive play in football.
The sack.
It takes away a down. It takes away yardage. It takes away momentum.
Saturday night, it allowed the University of Florida to escape with a 24-20 victory over Miami and new coach Manny Diaz.
Ten times, the Gators sacked Miami quarterbacks Saturday night. Ten times, and it allowed Florida to overcome four turnovers. Six other times, they tackled the Hurricanes for losses.
It allowed them to overcome averaging less than two. yards per rush. It allowed them to overcome two silly pass interference calls late in the game (they gave Miami first downs on third-and-34 and third-and-12.
The Gators, who were ranked eighth coming into the game, came from behind to win behind Felipe Franks (who had three turnovers) and his 254 yards passing.
“What a game. College football is back,” UF coach Dan Mullen said. "This is the best. Helluva job by Miami. ... Love our guys. Had some veteran guys not flinch."
Both teams are off next week. Miami is at North Carolina in two weeks. The Gators are home against Tennessee-Martin.
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