In a thrilling showdown, the Florida Gators emerged victorious over the No. 9 Mississippi Rebels with a score of 24-17. This victory marks a significant achievement for Coach Billy Napier and his squad, who have now won back-to-back games against ranked opponents for the first time since 2008.
DJ Lagway showcased his talent by throwing two touchdown passes, and Montrell Johnson contributed with 127 rushing yards and a touchdown. This win not only boosts Florida’s record to 6-5 but also significantly impacts Mississippi’s aspirations, knocking them out of contention for the College Football Playoff.
The Rebels, who were holding a 10-point favorite status, experienced a setback, losing for the first time in four games. Despite having opportunities, they struggled in the red zone and suffered from drop passes, with several potential touchdowns slipping through their fingers. Coach Lane Kiffin lamented the missed chances, commenting on the unusual number of errors his team displayed throughout the game.
Defensively, Bryce Thornton made a game-changing impact by intercepting Jaxson Dart twice, with his final pick sealing the Gators’ victory in dramatic fashion. Dart managed to throw for 323 yards with two touchdowns but could not overcome the challenges posed by Florida’s defense.
For Florida, the victory is an encouraging sign of progress under Napier’s leadership, emphasizing his belief in the team’s potential for continued growth. As they look forward to finishing the season strong, the Gators have a pivotal rivalry game against Florida State next week.
On an emotional note, Florida also recognized its seniors during the game, with injured quarterback Graham Mertz receiving a heartfelt ovation as he concludes his college career following a knee injury.
This victory could serve as a catalyst for Florida’s resurgence in college football, reinforcing hope among fans and players alike as they shift their focus toward future challenges and opportunities for success.
Moving forward, Florida’s strong performance positions them well for their upcoming games, while Ole Miss will need to regroup and find solutions to their recent struggles as they prepare for their rivalry match against Mississippi State.