The Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) won their fourth game in a row against Florida, marking their longest winning streak in this series since they won six times from 1978 to 1983. They took advantage of Florida’s quarterback issues and a mistake in special teams during this game.
Freshman DJ Lagway, who stood out, had to leave the game on a cart in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury while the Gators (4-4, 2-3) were leading 10-3. After he went out, the game became difficult for Florida.
Walk-on Aidan Warner completed 7 of 22 passes for 66 yards, but he also threw an interception. He had to play because Florida’s starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, tore a ligament in his left knee last month at Tennessee and is now out for the season.
“I do think the game went the way we wanted it,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. “We made it ugly at times. But we had our team in position to win the game.”
The Gators kept the score close thanks to a strong defense that forced Beck into making more mistakes. Jack Pyburn, Aaron Gates, and Devin Moore each had interceptions that led to a total of 10 points for Florida.
However, the biggest mistake came from the Gators. Punter Jeremy Crawshaw mishandled Rocco Underwood’s low snap during a 51-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter. This mistake caused a loss of 31 yards and set up Beck’s first touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) won their fourth game in a row against Florida, marking their longest winning streak in this series since they won six times from 1978 to 1983. They took advantage of Florida’s quarterback issues and a mistake in special teams during this game.
Freshman DJ Lagway, who stood out, had to leave the game on a cart in the second quarter due to a left hamstring injury while the Gators (4-4, 2-3) were leading 10-3. After he went out, the game became difficult for Florida.
Walk-on Aidan Warner completed 7 of 22 passes for 66 yards, but he also threw an interception. He had to play because Florida’s starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, tore a ligament in his left knee last month at Tennessee and is now out for the season.
“I do think the game went the way we wanted it,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. “We made it ugly at times. But we had our team in position to win the game.”
The Gators kept the score close thanks to a strong defense that forced Beck into making more mistakes. Jack Pyburn, Aaron Gates, and Devin Moore each had interceptions that led to a total of 10 points for Florida.
However, the biggest mistake came from the Gators. Punter Jeremy Crawshaw mishandled Rocco Underwood’s low snap during a 51-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter. This mistake caused a loss of 31 yards and set up Beck’s first touchdown pass.
