The Gators fell short of knocking off No.2 Georgia in Jacksonville on Saturday evening, losing 34-20 vs the Bulldogs. Florida drops to 4-4 (2-3 SEC) while Georgia improves to (7-1, 5-1 SEC) through ten weeks.
Florida had all the momentum inside EverBank Stadium early, leading No.2 Georgia 10-3 with the ball and 5:14 left to play in the first half. Just when it looked like things might get weird in Jacksonville, Gators’ starting quarterback DJ Lagway suffered a significant hamstring injury on a three-yard run.
The Gators’ offense managed to score just 10 points in the final 35+ minutes of the game with Yale transfer and PWO Aidan Warner at quarterback.
Florida’s defense played admirably for the 4th straight game, holding Georgia to six points in the first half behind two interceptions and a red zone stop. While Florida’s defense gained another turnover and two sacks in the second half, their offense couldn’t hold their own weight, gaining just 78 yards in the final 30 minutes. Florida’s offense and special teams unit provided Georgia with good field position behind an interception and a bad snap by long snapper Rocco Underwood.
Warner completed 7 of 22 passes for 66 yards and a pick.
Despite losing their second quarterback of the season and countless secondary defenders throughout the game, the Gators continued to fight, with guys playing out of position and all.
Florida tied the game on a 15-yard touchdown run from Ja’Kobi Jackson with 7:29 to play. The Gators’ defense forced a 3rd and six before allowing a 34-yard pass to Arian Smith, beating sophomore cornerback Cormani McClain, who had just 19 snaps on the 2024 season entering the contest.
The long pass set up Georgia’s go-ahead touchdown with 4:01 left to play. After Warner’s interception on the first play of Florida’s next drive, the game was all but over.
Could Florida have taken down No.2 Georgia with DJ Lagway at quarterback? I think so, but that’s irrelevant as Florida has to turn around and take on No.6 Texas in Austin next Saturday.