In a significant victory for Florida football, the Gators triumphed over their in-state rivals, the Florida State Seminoles, with a score of 31-11 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night. This win not only marks Florida’s first victory over FSU in three years but also clinches their first winning season since 2020.
Florida (7-5, 4-4 SEC) entered the game as heavy favorites against a struggling FSU team (2-10, 1-7 ACC). While the Gators initially faced difficulties on offense, they turned the tide thanks to a strong defensive performance. UF’s defense was instrumental, forcing five turnovers, including a critical early fumble that set the Gators on the path to a 7-0 lead.
Quarterback DJ Lagway showcased his potential by throwing a deep pass to Chimere Dike and following it up with a touchdown pass to Marcus Burke just before halftime. Florida maintained control of the game, responding to FSU’s scores and pushing their lead to 24-3 with a standout 65-yard touchdown run from running back Montrell Johnson.
In the final quarter, both teams exchanged touchdowns. Notably, Tony Livingston caught his first career touchdown pass from Lagway, further solidifying the Gators’ victory. With this win, head coach Billy Napier secured his first win against FSU, emphasizing a turning point for the program.
Florida demonstrated its capacity to overcome challenges and improve with each game, providing hope for the future. As the Gators prepare for their upcoming bowl game, they show determination and resilience that could signal a new era of success for the team.
Overall, the win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, and it sets a positive tone for the next season. Fans can look forward to what lies ahead, as the Gators aim to build on this momentum.