KNOXVILLE, Tenn.— The Florida Gators faced a tough 23-17 overtime defeat against No. 9 Tennessee, a match that highlighted several missed chances for the team.
The Gators (3-2, 1-1 SEC) forced the game into overtime when freshman quarterback DJ Lagway connected with wide receiver Chimere Dike for a 27-yard touchdown pass with just 27 seconds left. Florida initially planned to go for a two-point conversion to secure the win, but after Tennessee called a timeout, they opted for a Trey Smack extra point to level the score at 17.
In overtime, Florida struggled, losing 4 yards from the 25-yard line, leading to Smack’s missed 46-yard field goal attempt. Tennessee executed a 25-yard drive, capped by Dylan Sampson’s one-yard touchdown run, sealing the victory.
Lagway took over in the second half after starting quarterback Graham Mertz left the game due to a leg injury he sustained after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Arlis Boardingham, putting the Gators ahead 10-0 early in the third quarter.
Without Mertz, Tennessee surged ahead, scoring 17 consecutive points, with Sampson rushing for 101 yards and three touchdowns.
Florida struggled in the red zone, going 1-for-4 in the first half and only managing a 3-0 halftime lead.
Key moments of the game included DJ Lagway’s interception leading to a Tennessee field goal, Sampson’s first touchdown cutting the Gators’ lead to 10-7, and Florida failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities that could have shifted the momentum.
The Gators are set to continue their season with upcoming games after this challenging matchup against Tennessee.