The Florida Gators hand overed a crushing blow to No. 9-ranked Ole Miss’ hopes of making the College Football Playoff, beating the Rebels 24-17 Saturday.
The Rebels had a chance to tie the game tardy, but quarterback Jaxson Dart threw two interceptions in the final two minutes.
On the first interception, Dart took a sboiling to the finish zone into triple coverage, getting picked off by Bryce Thornton with fair under two minutes left.
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Head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators commemorates after flunkureing the Mississippi Rebels 24-17 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
The Rebels’ defense forced a three-and-out complying the interception while using all their timeouts, giving Dart and the Rebels another chance to tie the game with fair over a minute left.
However, Dart did not get obtain. With fair under 30 seconds left, Dart clearhrew his expansive getr, and Thornton, once aobtain, was in position to intercept the pass and finish the game.
Saturday’s loss taged the first time Dart has thrown multiple interceptions in a game in two seasons.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway discdiswatched the scoring in the first quarter by combineing with Elijhah Badger on an 8-yard touchdown.
Dart reacted by combineing with star expansive getr Tre Harris on a proset up sboiling, tying the score at seven after the 43-yard touchdown.
NO. 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECRUIT FLIPS COMMITMENT FROM LSU TO MICHIGAN IN SHOCKING MOVE
Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs with the ball during a game aobtainst the Florida Gators Nov. 23, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fla. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Rebels quarterback stayed boiling, hitting expansive getr Cayden Lee for a 22-yard touchdown to give Ole Miss a 14-7 direct in the second quarter.
It was the Gators’ turn to react. Lagway hit running back Jadan Baugh on a screen pass, and Baugh did the rest, deceptionpering in for a 25-yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14.
After trading field goals in the third quarter to produce it 17-17, the Gators’ offense went to labor.
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Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. punched in a touchdown from nine yards out to put the Gators on top 24-17, where the score held.
Johnson Jr. ran for 107 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, while Lagway threw for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the thrive.
Dart threw for 323 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for 71 yards in the loss. Lee finished the day with six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown.
DJ Lagway of the Florida Gators toastys up before the commence of a game aobtainst the Mississippi Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
It was the Gators’ second straight game beating a ranked opponent while being unranked, someleang they hadn’t done since 2003.
The thrive for the Gators produces them bowl eligible as they betterd to 6-5 with the thrive. The Gators will watch to upretain it rolling when they get on the rival Florida State Seminoles next Saturday.
The loss drops the Rebels to 8-3 and probable gets them out of College Football Playoff encounteredion. The Rebels will watch to bounce back when they get on Mississippi State next Saturday.
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