Florida took the opening kickoff in the 2012 Gator Bowl, and squandered an early opportunity to get things done. The Drew Basil kickoff sailed out of bounds, giving the Gators a chance to start at their own 40-yard line. They'd eventually make their way into Ohio State territory, all the way up to the 27-yard line, but John Brantley fumbled the ball after being hit by Adam Bellamy, and Ohio State took over.
After driving from their own 26-yard line, the Buckeyes eventually had to punt after reaching midfield, and it went for a touchback. Florida then took over again and started driving big time. From their own 20-yard line, they had gains of eight yards, nine yards, and then a 20-yard completion from Brantley to Chris Rainey to give them a nice chunk of yardage. Rainey then rushed for ten yards to take them to just outside of the Ohio State red zone.
Mike Gillislee added a five-yard rush, and then Brantley hit Deonte Thompson for a 17-yard touchdown, giving Florida the 7-0 lead in the first. Near the end of the first, there were a couple of fumbles, but in the end, Ohio State had the ball as it came to an end and will try and drive to start the second. Dan Herron fumbles for OSU, and then Brantley fumbled for Florida.
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