Image Credit: UAA
Momentum is building in Gainesville, Florida, proof of which was on full display Saturday inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. After starting the season 0-5 against top 25 opponents, the Florida Gators came through with their second straight victory over a ranked team by eliminating the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels from College Football Playoff contention with a 24-17 victory.
The Swamp was loud and the Gators were ferocious as they achieved bowl eligibility.
Florida outscored Ole Miss 10-3 in the second half despite struggling to move the ball in the third quarter because its defense came to play totaling four sacks, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions and two turnovers on downs. The Gators held the Rebels silent on third down only allowing 3 of 14 conversions (21.4%). Ole Miss entered the game converting 43.2% of their tries on the season.
Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway was again the key playmaker for Florida completing 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards with two first-half touchdowns. He did give up a tip-drill interception off an unadvisable side-arm throw, but it was a small penance for the incredible third-down conversions he executed during the first 30 minutes.
Senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr. made the most of his final game on Florida Field with a season-high 107 yards rushing and a touchdown on a season-high 18 carries. Freshman Jadan Baugh amassed 71 total yards and a TD, while senior wide receiver Elijhah Badger again led the way with five receptions for 87 yards and the other score.
Let’s take a look how Gator Nation reacted to another rousing victory inside The Swamp.
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