The Florida Gators pulled off an impressive upset against No. 9 Ole Miss, winning 24-17 in a thrilling matchup at The Swamp. The victory not only secured bowl eligibility for Florida, making their season record 6-5 and 4-4 in the SEC, but also marked their first .500 conference season since 2020. This win also dashed Ole Miss’s hopes of making it to the College Football Playoff.
With the game tied at 17 in the fourth quarter, freshman quarterback DJ Lagway spearheaded a crucial 67-yard touchdown drive that culminated in a 9-yard scoring run by Montrell Johnson with 7:40 remaining. Lagway’s pivotal 41-yard completion to senior wide receiver Chimere Dike was a key play in the drive, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Florida’s defense made critical plays to maintain their lead, including two interceptions by safety Bryce Thornton in the final moments of the game, one of which was made in the end zone while Ole Miss was threatening to score. Despite Ole Miss outgaining Florida 464-364 and maintaining a significant advantage in total yards, they struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities, failing to score on three separate trips into the red zone.
Montrell Johnson was a standout player for Florida, rushing for 127 yards on 18 carries and scoring a touchdown. On the other side, DJ Lagway finished the game with a respectable 180 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The game saw Florida’s defense rise to the occasion, turning around a season marked by injuries and setbacks. Ole Miss’s quarterback, Jaxson Dart, demonstrated strong performance statistics but ultimately could not overcome the turnovers and missed opportunities.
This victory is a beacon of hope for the Florida Gators as they look to build momentum heading into the end of the season. With the team’s focus shifting towards their next match and potential bowl game, the foundation for a strong finish is in place. The resilience displayed in this game could set the stage for a brighter future for the Gators as they work to overcome challenges ahead and enjoy a well-deserved post-season opportunity.