Eric Boggs 
Florida and Ole Miss
Florida delivered its second consecutive upset over a ranked opponent on Saturday, defeating No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17 in Gainesville. The victory, fueled by strong performances from running back Montrell Johnson Jr. and defensive back Bryce Thornton, secured bowl eligibility for the Gators (6-5, 4-4 SEC) and effectively ended the Rebels’ (8-3, 4-3) College Football Playoff hopes.
Johnson rushed for 127 yards and the go-ahead touchdown, while Thornton sealed the win with two interceptions in the final 1:32 of regulation. Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, who threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns, made critical errors late, including both of Thornton’s picks that thwarted the Rebels’ comeback attempts.
Key Moments
The Gators broke a 17-17 tie midway through the fourth quarter when Johnson capped a four-play, 67-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run. Ole Miss responded with a drive to Florida’s 39-yard line, but Dart’s first interception came on an ill-advised throw into triple coverage. After forcing a quick three-and-out, the Rebels regained possession, only for Dart to throw another errant pass that Thornton intercepted to end the game.
Florida’s defense shined throughout, holding Ole Miss to 0-for-3 in the red zone and coming up with pivotal stops. The Gators stuffed a 4th-and-1 attempt at their 10-yard line in the first half and sacked Dart to push the Rebels out of field goal range on a key third-quarter possession. Caleb Banks led the charge with 2.5 sacks.
Offensive Efficiency
Quarterback DJ Lagway managed the game effectively for Florida, throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including an 8-yard strike to Elijhah Badger early in the second quarter. The Gators were clinical in scoring opportunities, going 2-for-2 in the red zone.
In contrast, Ole Miss struggled despite a productive day from Dart, who also led the team with 71 rushing yards. The Rebels’ inefficiency, including five dropped passes and three turnovers, ultimately doomed their chances.
Missed Opportunities for Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels had multiple chances to take control but faltered repeatedly. Tre Harris caught a 43-yard touchdown in the first half to surpass 1,000 receiving yards for the season but left the game with a groin injury and did not return. Dart overthrew a wide-open Harris on what would have been a go-ahead score in the third quarter, and a muffed punt by Micah Davis set up a 53-yard field goal by Florida’s Trey Smack.
The Rebels’ struggles extended to situational football, going just 3-for-14 on third downs. Dart’s 35-yard scramble to Florida’s 40-yard line in the fourth quarter ended with a missed opportunity after a sack knocked Ole Miss out of scoring range.
Postseason Implications
The win marks Florida’s first time defeating ranked teams in consecutive weeks since 2008, following last week’s victory over LSU. The Gators, previously viewed as long shots for bowl eligibility, have surged late in the season, providing momentum for head coach Billy Napier heading into Year 4.
For Ole Miss, the loss drops the Rebels to 4-3 in SEC play, eliminating them from playoff contention and likely ending their hopes of a New Year’s Six bowl game. Kiffin’s squad will look to rebound against Mississippi State in their season finale.
With a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stands, Florida proved its mettle against another top-tier opponent, while Ole Miss was left to lament missed opportunities and a collapse in Gainesville.
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