This has been a long and difficult season for everybody in Gator Nation, but the Gators were at least able to finish it on a high note on Saturday afternoon in the Swamp.
Florida defeated Florida State, 24-21, for their third consecutive win in the series. With the win, the Gators will play in a bowl game, while the Seminoles (5-7, 4-4 ACC) will be home for the holidays.
Here is our instant recap.
How the game was won
With the Gators clinging to a 10-7 lead, Jeremy Crawshaw punted out of his own end zone. He launched a rocket that traveled 61 yards in the air and was muffed by Ontaria Wilson. UF’s Xzavier Henderson recovered at the FSU 33.
UF faced a third-and-21 on the ensuing drive. Quarterback Anthony Richardson connected with running back Malik Davis in the right flat about 10 yards down the field. He broke a tackle, tight-roped the sideline and picked up 22 yards and the first down.
That drive ended with Richardson’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Justin Shorter in the back of the end zone to extend the lead to 17-7.
Florida freshman cornerback Jason Marshall made his first career interception on the following possession, and the Gators controlled the game from there.
Player of the Game
Brenton Cox
The edge rusher turned in his best game as a Gator, registering four sacks and forcing a fumble. He entered the day with just three sacks this season.
Cox was a frequent visitor to the FSU backfield, as the Seminoles couldn’t block him on either side.
Play of the Game
On third-and-goal at the 5, Shorter lined up in the left slot and ran a corner route.
Richardson put just enough air under the ball to get it over two defenders. It hit Shorter perfectly in his hands. He bobbled the ball initially but established possession just before he hit the ground for a touchdown.
The score extended Florida’s lead to 17-7 and continued the second half onslaught.
Stat of the Game
4 sacks, 8 tackles-for-loss
Florida’s offense couldn’t run the ball or limit the turnovers in the first half, but their defensive front picked them up and led them to a rivalry win.
Up next
UF (6-6, 2-6 SEC) will learn its bowl assignment on Dec. 5.
In the meantime, athletic director Scott Stricklin’s search for a new head coach continues. Once the new head coach is in place, he’ll have to hire a staff and try to salvage the Gators’ recruiting class, with early signing day on Dec. 15.