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The Florida Gators (3-3) fell 23-17 in overtime to Tennessee (5-1) at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Florida has not won consecutive road games in the Billy Napier era. The Gators still lead the all-time rivalry series 32-22.
Down by seven with 0:34 seconds left in the game; freshman quarterback DJ Lagway roped a 27-yard pass into the end zone to Chimere Dike on 3rd & 19. The extra point and a defensive stop set up overtime, where Tennessee won the toss and opted to defend. The Gators failed to score, and the Volunteers were able to punch in a goal-line touchdown to win.
Florida has more question marks at quarterback going forward. Veteran quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a non-contact injury to his right leg following a touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham in the third quarter. Mertz was in the locker room and later returned to the sideline on crutches.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Florida was unable to score during their overtime possession. A false start by center Jake Slaughter pushed the Gators back, and kicker Trey Smack was wide right on the 47-yard attempt. Tennessee scored with ease during their ensuing possession.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: The Gators’ defense had another formidable showing on Saturday against the Volunteers. For the first time under Napier, Florida held an FBS opponent scoreless in the first half. The last time this occurred was on Oct. 5, 2021, when the Gators shut out Vanderbilt. Florida also had three consecutive sacks midway through the first half. Tennessee entered Saturday’s contest averaging 56.8 points per game against FBS opponents, the Gators held them to 23 points. Despite the solid showing from the defense, Florida’s offense was not able to produce enough points despite four trips to the red zone.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Chimere Dike shined as a returner and wideout against the Volunteers. In addition to his 76 receiving yards and touchdown, the senior made a pivotal 27-yard return to aid the team’s game-tying touchdown run in the last minute of regulation. The Gators rushing attack struggled after Montrell Johnson Jr.’s injury. The veteran back rushed for 85 yards on 7.1 yards per carry. Five other ball carriers rushed 28 times for just 58 yards on 1.9 yards per carry. Florida had six penalties on offense that cost them 36 yards.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway was tested against a tough road environment and a strong Volunteer pass rush. After being without an incompletion in his last two games, Lagway was 9-of-17 on passing for 98 yards, one touchdown, and a questionable interception thrown in the third quarter.
WHAT A PLAY: With 1:14 left in the first half, sophomore defensive back Sharif Denson intercepted Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava at the Vol’s 42-yard line. Denson returned the ball to the 22-yard line, and a personal foul set the Gators up at the 11. Even with the quality field position provided by the team’s third interception of the season, Florida was unable to score due to a penalty during the kick as the clock went to zero.
UP NEXT: Florida (3-3) is back home against Kentucky (3-2) on Saturday, Oct. 19. The game will be broadcast on SEC Network at 7:45 p.m. The Wildcats have defeated the Gators in each of the last three seasons.
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