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The Florida Gators (3-2) defeated in-state opponent UCF (3-2) 24-13 at home on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida is now 3-1 all-time against the Knights. With the win, the Gators have a winning record for the first time in 329 days.
Inside the Gators‘ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Down by 11 with 1:56 left in the game, UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson hurled the ball downfield on 2nd & 10. The pass was reeled in by sophomore defensive back Bryce Thornton, his first career interception. Following the pick, the Gators needed just a first down to kneel the clock down to zero.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: The Gators’ pass rush had their best showing of the season against UCF. Jefferson spearheaded an upset win over Florida with Arkansas in 2023. In that game, he passed for 255 yards and ran for 91 yards. Jefferson did not have such an impact on Saturday. The Gators produced a season-high five sacks, holding Jefferson to 12-22 passing for 165 yards. Jefferson also lost 18 rushing yards. George Gumbs Jr. led the team with 1.5 sacks. Former five star freshman LJ McCray was credited for half a sack, the first of his career.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Head coach Billy Napier’s two quarterback system succeeded for the second consecutive game. Veteran quarterback Graham Mertz finished 19-23 with 179 passing yards and 1 touchdown. In his last two games, Mertz is 38-44 with 380 air yards and 4 touchdowns. Freshman DJ Lagway has not thrown an incompletion in three weeks after going 4-4 on passing for 50 yards. Florida also rushed for 130 yards despite being without second-string RB Treyaun Webb. Although te Gators led the entire game, Florida did not score in the second half.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Florida’s defense contained UCF’s electric ground attack. The Knights entered Saturday’s game with an impressive 326 rushing yards per game. The Gators defense which had previously been allowing 189 ground yards per game, held UCF to a season low 108. The Knights also entered the game with a Big 12 leading 46 rushing plays of 10 yards or more. They had just three rushes of 10 or more yards on Saturday. Florida also held UCF to just 4-12 on third down. Six Gators had five or more tackles.
WHAT A PLAY: After UCF failed to convert on 4th & 1 at their own 43, Lagway took the field for Florida. In his first pass attempt of the game, Lagway launched the ball 37 yards for wide receiver Chimere Dike who was dragged down at the one. The play set up a touchdown run by Ja’Kobi Jackson, giving the Gators a two score lead early in the second quarter. With the subsequent play, the Gators now have a rushing touchdown in each of their last 12 games.
UP NEXT: Florida (3-2) travels to face No. 4 ranked Tennessee (4-0) on Saturday, Oct. 5. The game will be broadcast on ESPN with kickoff at 7 p.m. The Gators lead the rivalry series 32-21 all-time.
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