In a decisive match-up, Florida emerged victorious against Florida State, utilizing a robust offensive and defensive strategy to secure a 31-11 win in Tallahassee.
Montrell Johnson led Florida’s offensive charge by rushing for 99 yards and scoring a touchdown. His performance was complemented by Jadan Baugh, who contributed 81 yards, culminating in a total of 235 rushing yards for the team. Meanwhile, DJ Lagway added two touchdown passes, all of which facilitated head coach Billy Napier to achieve his first victory against the Seminoles in three attempts.
Florida’s recent performance has been noteworthy, closing November with wins against ranked teams like LSU and Ole Miss, which bolstered their confidence heading into this rivalry game. The Gators’ defense was particularly formidable, restricting Florida State to just 79 yards in the first half and limiting their efficiency to 2.5 yards per play.
Despite a late-game effort from Florida State’s Lawrance Toafili, who scored a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles were unable to overcome the deficit. This marks a challenging season for Florida State, who have faced double-digit losses for the first time since 1974.
Florida’s ability to average 6.5 yards per carry clearly outlined their dominance on the field. The Gators not only celebrated a pivotal win against their rivals but also concluded a challenging schedule on a high note.
Florida’s victory over Florida State underscores their resurgence late in the season, characterized by strong performances both offensively and defensively. As they await bowl announcements, anticipation is high for what the team might achieve next.
Source: WSVN
