In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, the Florida Gators claimed a decisive 27-16 victory over No. 21 LSU, marking their first series win against the Tigers since 2018. DJ Lagway made an impactful return from a hamstring injury, throwing for a touchdown and facilitating another with a lengthy completion, helping the Gators inch closer to bowl eligibility with a 5-5 record and 3-4 in the Southeastern Conference.
A pivotal moment came when Jadan Baugh electrified the crowd with a 55-yard touchdown run in the final minutes, putting the Gators ahead decisively. Florida had faced a tough streak against ranked teams, losing eight consecutive games, and had a challenging record of 1-10 under coach Billy Napier in rivalry games.
The Gators’ defense showcased its might, sacking LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier seven times; a remarkable achievement considering LSU had only allowed six sacks in its previous nine games combined. Lagway exhibited his resilience and skill, completing 13 of 26 passes for 226 yards, with Elijhah Badger being a key target, hauling in six catches for 131 yards.
The momentum shifted in Florida’s favor late in the third quarter when T.J. Searcy’s crucial sack on Nussmeier led to a string of errors that allowed the Gators to gain traction on offense. Despite LSU dominating ball possession in the first half, the Gators’ defense regained its form following a disappointing performance the week before against Texas.
The loss puts LSU in a difficult position, marking their third consecutive defeat and jeopardizing coach Brian Kelly’s streak of 10-win seasons. Kelly acknowledged the team’s struggles and emphasized the importance of accountability and collective effort moving forward.
As the Gators celebrated their much-deserved victory, coach Napier commended his team’s resilience, highlighting their ability to rise to challenges amid adversity. The strong performance against LSU serves as a promising indicator for Florida’s future games, rallying hope among fans as they aim for bowl eligibility.
This victory not only signifies a turnaround for Florida but also offers a sense of optimism for the rest of the season, showing that the team can defy the odds and perform at their best when it matters most.