Florida’s bowl chances are suddenly incredibly realistic after the Gators defeated No. 22 LSU XX-XX.
After LSU kicked a field goal to cut Florida’s lead to four with 5:18 remaining, the Gators made it a two-score game just three plays later when Jaden Baugh ran 55 yards for a score.
It was the second big play in the second half for a Florida offense that barely produced any action. Baugh’s run was just the 41st offensive play of the game for the Gators.
Florida scored in three plays on the previous drive after a bizarre LSU fumble. Garrett Nussmeier lost the ball when he was sacked and ended up hitting LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. As Jones thundered onto the field in an attempt to get a first down, Jones was stripped and lost the ball. Florida took over inside LSU territory and a 36-yard pass from DJ Lagway to Elijahh Badger set up a one-yard TD from Ja’Kobi Jackson.
The win moves Florida to 5-5 with a home game against No. 11 Ole Miss in Week 13 and a road trip to a 1-9 Florida State team in the regular season finale. Considering how terrible Florida State has been, the Gators should be significant favorites.
Simply settling for a bowl game is not how a Florida football season should go. But it’s also an achievement considering the Gators’ injuries this season and a schedule that is the toughest in college football.
A 7-6 season would offer a glimmer of hope for Billy Napier entering his fourth season. Florida didn’t win seven games in either of Napier’s first two seasons in Gainesville, and Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin said earlier this month that Napier would return in 2025.
