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The fan’s favorite to replace Billy Napier made a visit to the Swamp on Saturday not to visit his future home, but to take down the Gators. Florida had other ideas though, as No. 9 Ole Miss fell 24-17 to the Gators.
Inside the Gators‘ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart threw an interception with 1:32 left in the game. On second and five on Florida’s 39-yard line, Dart elected to go deep. He threw the football into triple coverage and Bryce Thornton was all over it. The Florida offense went three and out but did waste Ole Miss’ three timeouts. The Rebels tried to go down the field to score, but Dart threw a second interception, sealing the upset for the Orange and Blue.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Although Florida split carries in the backfield, Montrell Johnson Jr. showed why Billy Napier has stuck with him. The senior had 18 carries for 127 yards and the game-sealing touchdown. He has come back from the injury
strong and made the most of the opportunities presented to him.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: When Jaxson Dart is sacked, the Ole Miss Rebels lose football games. In their two losses this season, Dart was sacked four times against Kentucky and six times against LSU. Today, the hungry Gators’ defense got to the senior quarterback five times with three sacks and two tackles for loss.
THIS MATCHUP PROVED KEY: Florida’s main receivers balled out against Ole Miss’ secondary. Chimere Dike had three receptions for 54 yards, with his most memorable catch coming in Florida’s game-winning drive where he fully extended
to make the 41-yard reception. Elijhah Badger had a fantastic game as well, with five grabs for 87 yards and the opening touchdown of the afternoon. There was nothing the Rebels could do to stop him.
WHAT A PLAY: Florida safety Jordan Castell rocked Dae’Quan Wright’s world during the Rebels’ opening drive. On second and four, Jaxson Dart thought he found a pocket of space in the defense and floated a ball to his receiver. Although the pass went over Wright’s defender, Castell was there to lay the hit stick. The refs threw a penalty flag on the field for targeting, but it was promptly overturned.
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UP NEXT: The (6-5, 4-4) Florida Gators will travel to the state capital to face off against the (1-9) Florida State Seminoles. One more win this season and the Gators will have the first winning season since 2020.
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