Florida Stuns No. 9 Ole Miss, 24-17 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Florida pulled off a 24-17 upset victory over No. 9 Ole Miss on Saturday, marking its first back-to-back wins against ranked opponents since 2008. DJ Lagway’s poised passing and Montrell Johnson’s dominant rushing sealed the win. Ole Miss, plagued by red-zone failures and turnovers, saw its College Football Playoff aspirations dashed. Coach Billy Napier’s Gators showed signs of resurgence, building momentum for the program’s future.
Florida Stuns Ole Miss: Quick Looks
- Major Upset: Florida defeated No. 9 Ole Miss, ending the Rebels’ playoff chances.
- Key Players: DJ Lagway threw for two touchdowns, and Montrell Johnson rushed for 127 yards and a key score.
- Rebels’ Missteps: Ole Miss failed on three red-zone attempts and committed two late turnovers.
- Napier’s Rebuild: The Gators secured consecutive ranked wins for the first time in 15 years.
- Playoff Implications: Ole Miss drops out of CFP contention, while Florida builds momentum for its regular-season finale.
Deep Look
Florida Capitalizes on Opportunities
The Gators were efficient and opportunistic, taking advantage of Ole Miss’ numerous mistakes. Quarterback DJ Lagway was a standout performer, completing 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Lagway’s ability to make throws under pressure, including three completions with defenders draped on him, earned praise from Coach Napier.
“Those were the plays of the game,” Napier said.
“I focused on grinding and trying to work my way back,” Johnson said. “This week I shot to the moon.”
Florida’s balanced offense and disciplined play stood in stark contrast to Ole Miss’ red-zone struggles and turnovers.
Ole Miss Fails to Execute
The Rebels entered the game as 10-point favorites and controlled their playoff fate. However, a series of missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart put up strong numbers, completing 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw two interceptions on the team’s final two drives, sealing the Rebels’ fate. Both picks were snagged by Florida’s Bryce Thornton, including a game-clinching interception with 17 seconds remaining.
“It was a big moment for me,” Thornton said. “You’ve got to step up when the game’s on the line.”
The Rebels struggled mightily in the red zone, failing to score on three trips inside Florida’s 20-yard line. Defensive tackle J.J. Pegues was stopped on two crucial fourth-down runs, and kicker Caden Davis missed a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Dropped passes were another glaring issue for Ole Miss. Key receivers, including Tre Harris, Jordan Watkins, and Dae’Quan Wright, let multiple potential touchdowns slip through their fingers.
“We had a lot at stake, and we didn’t come through,” said Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. “Too many missed opportunities.”
Florida’s Defense Shines
“We had a chip on our shoulder for sure,” Jackson said.
Thornton’s two interceptions were the highlight of a defensive effort that consistently disrupted Ole Miss in critical moments.
Napier’s Turning Point
Coach Billy Napier, in his second season with Florida, called the victory part of the program’s “big-picture journey.” The Gators now have a chance to finish the regular season with three straight wins, a significant step forward for a team that struggled with consistency earlier in the year.
“We’re just getting started,” Napier said. “Belief is the most powerful thing in the world.”
Senior Day Highlights
Florida’s Senior Day celebrations included an emotional moment for injured quarterback Graham Mertz, who received a standing ovation. Mertz’s college career ended last month when he tore his ACL during a loss to then-No. 8 Tennessee.
Other seniors honored included running back Montrell Johnson, cornerback Jason Marshall, and defensive tackle Desmond Watson.
Injury Concerns for Ole Miss
Ole Miss’ struggles were compounded by injuries to key players. Star receiver Tre Harris, who had just returned from a groin injury, re-aggravated it in the second quarter and did not return.
The Takeaway
- Mississippi: The Rebels missed their chance to secure a playoff spot, undone by red-zone failures, dropped passes, and defensive lapses. Without star running back Henry Parrish Jr. (knee), Ole Miss lacked offensive balance, throwing the ball 41 times and relying on Dart to scramble for yards.
- Florida: The Gators capitalized on Ole Miss’ mistakes and showcased progress under Napier. With momentum from consecutive ranked wins, Florida is poised for a strong finish to the season.
What’s Next
- Mississippi: The Rebels will host in-state rival Mississippi State in the annual Egg Bowl on Friday, aiming to end the regular season on a high note.
- Florida: The Gators will face rival Florida State next Saturday in a game that could further validate Napier’s rebuilding efforts.
Florida Stuns Florida Stuns
