It’s only one game, but Saturday’s coaching debut for Dan Mullen is giving Gators fans plenty of reasons to smile.

Florida annihilated Charleston Southern 56-3 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Mullen’s first game as the Gators head coach.

Quarterback Feleipe Franks threw five touchdown passes, all in the first half, as Florida raced out to a 38-0 advantage at the break.

Van Jefferson, an Ole Miss transfer, had two of those scores.

10 different receivers caught a pass for Florida while the Gators utilized 11 different ball carriers.

Dameon Pierce led the team in rushing with 75 yards on eight carries.

Seven players were suspended for the season opener. The list included receiver Kadarius Toney and defensive end CeCe Jefferson. Mullen said after the game he didn’t know whether those players would be on the field next week against Kentucky.

The Gators host the Wildcats in their SEC opener at 7:30.