Florida Squanders 12-Point First-Half Lead vs. Florida State, Finish Year 5-7
Florida fell at home to No. 5 Florida State on Saturday evening in The Swamp, marking the Seminoles' second-straight win in the rivalry series and first win in Gainesville since 2017.
The 24-15 defeat ended a tumultuous second year at the University of Florida for Billy Napier and Co., which resulted in a 5-7 (3-5 SEC) record.
With bowl eligibility on the line, the Gators excelled in the early going, led by a defensive effort likened to its early-season form.
Holding the visiting Seminoles to zero yards gained through the first 26 minutes of action, Florida built a promising 12-point cushion. Montrell Johnson Jr.'s five-yard touchdown to begin the second quarter opened the scoring on the evening, followed by a 35-yard field goal by Gators kicker Trey Smack and a sack safety by Princely Umanmielen and Derek Wingo.
It presented Florida with the two-possession advantage and the ball with 5:02 in the first half.
Then, the Gators quickly gave the momentum it compiled away with a disastrous trick play attempt to derail the post-safety possession. FSU capitalized with a 10-play, 90-yard scoring drive to cut the deficit to five heading into the locker room break.
The confidence built by the Tate Rodemaker-led attack carried into the first drive of the second half, resulting in a 36-yard rushing score by Noles' ball carrier Trey Benson — who posted three on the night.
Florida didn't immediately roll over, however.
The Gators retook the lead on the ensuing possession via the leg of Smack from 37 yards out. Wideout Ricky Pearsall's 17-yard reception, snagging the ball thrown behind him from Max Brown, on 3rd and 11 sparked the drive and opened up rushing lanes for running back Johnson to take advantage once more.
His 21-yard rush on the next snap placed Florida in plus-territory. The unit ultimately connected on the field goal to go up 15-14.
The two defenses traded blows, forcing three three-and-outs in four drives. The only other possession was a four-play series, which stalled after a 12-yard gain by Benson on the first snap.
After the defensive surge, FSU's offense found its rhythm again to work into striking distance. Keon Coleman' sparked the unit with a 34-yard punt return, allowing it to set up shop at the Noles 43-yard-line.
A pass interference call on Gators defensive back Devin Moore aided the Seminoles to move the ball into Florida territory. Four snaps later, Florida State converted a fourth and three from the UF34 — as Rodemaker found Ja'Khi Douglas on a slant over the middle — to keep the eventual scoring drive alive.
Mike Norvell's squad moved to the Florida two-yard line, but defensive lineman Chris McClellan stuffed Benson at the line of scrimmage to force the Florida State field goal unit onto the field.
Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald connected from 19 yards out to give FSU a 17-15 lead with 7:17 remaining.
Florida's next possession was short-lived, giving FSU the ball back with 5:37 remaining. Self-inflicted wounds — including a late-hit targeting penalty from Jaydon Hill on a sliding Rodemaker — presented the Seminoles an opportunity to put a dagger in the Gators' upset hopes.
It came in the form of Benson's third rushing score of the night from 26 yards out. The 24-15 score held to give the Seminoles its first undefeated regular season since 2014.
Florida finishes the year 5-7 (3-5 SEC). Meanwhile, Florida State will strive to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive against Lousiville in the ACC Championship next Saturday.
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