GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jaydon Hill intercepted two passes, including a single he returned 49 yards for a touchdown, and Florida held on to beat Missouri 24-17 on Saturday to conclude a six-video game skid in Southeastern Meeting engage in.
Hill’s choose-6 was among a bevy of large plays that gave the Gators (4-2, 1-2 SEC) their 1st league victory in a year. His next interception ended a third-quarter push that had achieved Florida’s 16-lawn line.
It was a breakout efficiency for Hill, a third-12 months sophomore who was taking part in his next match due to the fact returning from a knee harm that wiped out his 2021 period. Hill had been a projected starter this earlier spring but needed arthroscopic operation in the summer time right after tweaking the exact knee yet again.
Hill’s engage in in opposition to the Tigers (2-4, -3) also backed up his opinions previously this week when he said Missouri is “just not intended to” beat Florida.
Of training course, it transpired five times in the former 10 conferences. The Gators, who entered the game as 10 1/2-place favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook, looked like they could be in hassle once again following attaining just 65 yards in the to start with fifty percent.
But mentor Billy Napier turned to the ground sport in the second half, finding very long runs from Montrell Johnson (36, 41), Trevor Etienne (39) and Anthony Richardson (32) to discover the end zone.
The Gators finished with 231 yards rushing, together with 212 in the next 50 %. Johnson led the way with 86 yards and a landing.
However, it was Florida’s defense that clinched the recreation. The Gators stopped a fourth-and-2 participate in with 1:17 remaining to put the Tigers absent.
Richardson done 8 of 14 passes for 66 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. It was his fifth straight recreation with at minimum one turnover. He also ran for 45 yards.
Brady Cook dinner was 22-of-30 passing for 220 yards for Missouri. Nathaniel Peat ran for 117 yards and a rating.
THE TAKEAWAY
Missouri: Just after oh-so-near losses to Auburn and Ga, Missouri had yet another crew on the ropes. The Tigers held Florida to 65 yards of offense in the initial fifty percent and in all probability would have experienced a initial-half shutout if not for a 48-lawn punt return and a 49-yard run.
Florida: The Gators never have an id six games into the Napier era. Many considered it would be the Richardson Clearly show, but Richardson has at the very least just one turnover in five consecutive game titles. Florida just cannot end the operate and has minor passing prowess.
Key Injuries
Missouri receiver/punt returner Luther Stress appeared to injure his left ankle in the third quarter. He was aided off the area and examined on the sideline. Load is 1 of the team’s couple of offensive playmakers. He experienced 5 receptions for 20 yards in advance of the harm.
NEW Hall OF FAMERS
Former and longtime Florida administrator Jeremy Foley, credited with earning the Gators 1 of the top rated athletic programs in the place, was one particular of 9 inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame this weekend. Foley obtained in as an honorary letterwinner.
Signing up for him in the 2022 course: managing back and U.S. Olympic sprinter Jeff Demps, swimmer Conor Dwyer, cornerback Joe Haden, softball participant Michelle Moultrie, basketball forward Chandler Parsons, triple jumper Christian Taylor, catcher Mike Zunino and tennis coach Steve Beeland.
“If you want to talk about the best athletic programs in The us, no matter whether Florida is at the top or not, that’s up to people today to make your mind up. But it’s just one of the ideal,” Foley explained. “We elevated it to that amount, where it will go on to stay. That is the detail I’m proudest of.”
UP Upcoming
Missouri: Gets a bye week before internet hosting Vanderbilt on Oct. 22.
Florida: Hosts LSU upcoming Saturday night, the Gators’ sixth house recreation in 7 weeks.
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