The Florida Gators delivered a monumental upset on Saturday, defeating No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17 in Gainesville. The victory marked Florida’s second consecutive win over a ranked opponent, following last week’s triumph over LSU. For a program that has struggled in recent years, the back-to-back upsets signal a potential turning point.
Quarterback DJ Lagway led the way with two touchdown passes, while running back Montrell Johnson rushed for 127 yards and a score. Florida’s defense played a pivotal role, forcing three turnovers and sealing the win with two late interceptions, disrupting Ole Miss’ playoff aspirations.
The Gators (6-5, 4-4 SEC) executed a balanced offensive attack and capitalized on Ole Miss’ repeated mistakes. The Rebels (8-3, 4-3 SEC), who entered the game as 13.5-point favorites, struggled to convert opportunities, going 0-for-3 in the red zone and committing a season-high five dropped passes.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns but was undone by two late interceptions and relentless pressure from Florida’s defense, which sacked him four times. Dart also led the Rebels in rushing with 71 yards, but the team’s inability to finish drives proved costly.
The Rebels’ missed opportunities included two failed fourth-down attempts inside the 20-yard line and a missed field goal, all of which kept Florida in the game. Additionally, critical dropped passes in the end zone further compounded their issues, allowing Florida to maintain control.
Florida’s efficiency stood in stark contrast. Lagway connected on 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards, displaying composure under pressure. Johnson’s return from injury provided a much-needed boost to the ground game, highlighted by a crucial 9-yard touchdown run in the second half.
This victory not only eliminates Ole Miss from College Football Playoff contention but also cements Florida’s resurgence late in the season. For the Rebels, it marks a missed opportunity to solidify their playoff standing, as they now face a significant drop in the rankings with just one game left in the regular season.
The Gators will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their final game, while Ole Miss must regroup and refocus with their postseason hopes dashed.
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