Bryce Thornton made a remarkable impact on Saturday as he intercepted two passes from Jackson Dart, helping the Florida Gators secure a significant 24-17 victory over the No. 9 ranked Mississippi Rebels. This win marks the first time since 2018 that the Gators have achieved back-to-back victories over ranked opponents, signaling a promising turnaround for a team that has faced challenges in recent years.
Under Coach Billy Napier’s guidance, Florida’s DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes while Montrell Johnson showcased his skills with 127 rushing yards and a touchdown. By defeating ranked teams like LSU and Mississippi in consecutive weeks, the Gators (6-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) are finding momentum when it matters most.
“This is just the beginning for us,” Napier remarked, optimistic about the future as he anticipates returning for a fourth season in 2025. The belief in the team’s potential is becoming increasingly evident.
For Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), which entered the game as a ten-point favorite, this loss proved detrimental as it eliminated them from contention for the College Football Playoff. Coach Lane Kiffin expressed disappointment, acknowledging the missed opportunities that contributed to the defeat, especially the inability to capitalize on trips inside the red zone.
Florida’s defense played a pivotal role in the game. After allowing a first-half touchdown to Ole Miss, Thornton redeemed himself with two crucial interceptions that ultimately sealed the victory. Dart completed 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and two interceptions, while also being sacked four times.
In addition to the interceptions, Ole Miss struggled with dropped passes and missed scoring opportunities, failing to convert on three trips inside the red zone. These missteps proved costly, as key players like Jordan Watkins and Tre Harris fell short of connecting on what could have been game-changing plays.
Furthermore, injuries plagued the Rebels, with several starters, including Harris and safety Yam Banks, exiting the game, which compounded their challenges during the matchup.
For Florida, while the Gators celebrated “Senior Day,” they honored injured quarterback Graham Mertz, whose college career has been temporarily halted due to a knee injury. The senior class, which includes Johnson and several others, is poised to leave the program on a high note.
Looking ahead, Mississippi hopes to rebound in their upcoming rivalry game known as the Egg Bowl against Mississippi State, while Florida is set to face off against Florida State next weekend. With renewed spirit and momentum, the Gators are entering this critical phase of the season with optimism.
This victory epitomizes the turnaround and resilience being cultivated within the Florida program, offering fans a glimpse of a promising future.