The Florida Gators (3-2) face off against the Tennessee Volunteers (4-1) this evening at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Fans can follow along for live updates throughout the game.
As the third quarter begins, Florida starts with an illegal blindside block penalty during a chaotic kickoff, initially reviewed for targeting but ultimately not called. This penalty pushes Florida back to their own 13-yard line to kick off the half.
Tennessee, entering the game as the nation’s No. 5 rushing team, has struggled early, gaining only 41 rushing yards in the first half and failing to generate significant offense.
Florida has had difficulties capitalizing on scoring opportunities, converting only 1-of-4 red zone attempts. Despite this, they could have led by more than 20 points at halftime if not for a turnover and some questionable play calling.
A noteworthy moment occurred when Florida kicker Trey Smack successfully made a 43-yard field goal attempt just as the first half concluded. However, the Gators were penalized for having 12 men on the field, resulting in a 10-second runoff. The teams went to halftime with Florida leading Tennessee 3-0.
In the second quarter, Florida defensive back Sharif Denson intercepted a pass from Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, returning it for 20 yards. Gators quarterback Graham Mertz drove the Gators to Tennessee’s 1-yard line shortly after, but he fumbled the ball, giving possession back to the Volunteers.
Florida’s Montrell Johnson Jr. made a significant play with a 23-yard run, while the Gators struggled to convert drives into points, including a failed fourth-down attempt that allowed Tennessee to take over.
The Gators’ defense was impressive in the first quarter, with two sacks that thwarted Tennessee’s scoring chances. Overall, Florida’s offense has struggled on the ground, averaging only 1.8 yards per carry, while Mertz completed 4-of-6 passes for 38 yards before the end of the quarter.
With the first quarter ending, Florida leads 3-0 as they continue to keep Tennessee’s offense at bay.