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Tag: Florida Gators

  • Denzel Aberdeen leads No. 3 Florida over No. 22 Mississippi State 81-68

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    BY  PAUL JONES

    STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Denzel Aberdeen had a game-high 20 points and Walter Clayton Jr. added 19 points to lead No. 3 Florida to an 81-68 victory over No. 22 Mississippi State.

    Thomas Haugh scored 16 points for Florida (21-3, 8-3 Southeastern Conference) and Will Richard and Rueben Chinyelu each added 10.

    Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State (17-7, 5-6) with 19 points while KeShawn Murphy had 18 points and 13 rebounds.

    Trailing by one at halftime, Florida exploded on a 17-0 run to open the second half and were never threatened the rest of the way.

    The Gators shot 46% for the game and made 14 of 36 from 3-point range.

    Mississippi State made 7 of 27 beyond the arc. The Bulldogs had 15 turnovers and outrebounded Florida 43-32.

    The first half had seven lead changes and five ties.

    Takeaways

    Florida: Senior guard Alijah Martin missed his second straight game with a hip injury, despite coach Todd Golden saying Monday he was expected to return. In the opening minutes, Alex Condon suffered a lower-leg injury. Condon is averaging 11 points and a team-best 8.1 rebounds a game.

    Mississippi State: The Bulldogs dropped to 2-4 in SEC home games and were also defeated by double digits in their last SEC home games against Missouri on Feb. 1.

    Up next

    Florida hosts South Carolina on Saturday, while Mississippi State visits Mississippi on Saturday.

    ___

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  • With Clayton out, No. 6 Florida beats Vanderbilt 86-75

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Will Richard scored 21 points, Alex Condon added 19 and No. 6 Florida beat Vanderbilt 86-75 on Tuesday despite playing without leading scorer Walter Clayton Jr.

    Clayton watched from the bench after he sprained his left ankle during a lopsided loss at Tennessee on Saturday. Fellow guard Alijah Martin gave the Gators another scare when he tweaked his left hip in the first half. Martin returned but was hardly a factor.

    Richard and Condon, meanwhile, carried Florida (19-3, 6-3 Southeastern Conference). Richard hit 5 of 7 shots from 3-point range, and Condon chipped in nine rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.

    Seldom-used guard Urban Klavzar also had a couple of big baskets, draining back-to-back 3s with about eight minutes to play to give Florida a nine-point advantage. He added an assist on the next play.

    Coach Todd Golden’s team cruised from there and surely will point to this game as evidence of its depth.

    Jason Edwards led the Commodores (16-6, 4-5) with 20 points. Jaylen Carey added 15 points before fouling out.

    Takeaways

    Vanderbilt: The Commodores played solid defense throughout and looked as if they might pull off an upset. Ultimately, their inability to defend the 3-point line down the stretch was their undoing.

    Florida: Florida took a cautious approach with Clayton, especially with a road trip to top-seeded Auburn on tap Saturday.

    Key moment

    Florida made 10 of 11 shots over a 9-minute span in the second half to put the game away.

    Key stat

    Klavzar entered the night having made 3 of 16 shots from 3-point range. But the two he hit against Vandy were perfect.

    Up next

    Vanderbilt hosts Texas on Saturday; Florida plays at Auburn later in the day.

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  • No. 8 Tennessee gets revenge on No. 5 Florida, 64-44

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    KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Chaz Lanier scored 19 points to lead shorthanded No. 8 Tennessee to a 64-44 win over No. 5 Florida on Saturday.

    The Volunteers (18-4, 5-4 Southeastern Conference) were playing without starters Zakai Zeigler (knee) and Igor Milicic Jr. (illness).

    Jordan Gainey scored 16. Felix Okpara had 10 points and eight rebounds.

    Walter Clayton Jr. scored 10 for the Gators (18-3, 5-3) in the first half before injuring his left ankle. He reinjured it in the second half. The Gators shot 6 of 26 in the second half.

    Tennessee took the lead at the end of the first half when Cade Phillips and Darlinstone Dubar had back-to-back blocks before Lanier drilled a 3-pointer. Clayton went down with a left ankle injury with 1:07 left.

    Takeaways

    Florida: Thomas Haugh, a 6-foot-9 power forward, has emerged as one of the top sixth men in the country. His contributions off the bench have been significant. … Center Micah Handlogten, who sustained a gruesome ankle injury at the SEC Tournament last year, was considering a comeback in February, but has decided to sit out the year.

    Tennessee: If the Vols are going to have a strong finish to the season and a deep run in the postseason, senior point guard Zeigler will need to be healthy. He injured his right knee Tuesday against Kentucky.

    Key moment

    From the end of the first half to the first few minutes of the second, Tennessee had a 14-2 run that put the Vols ahead 30-21. Gainey had six of those points.

    Key stat

    The Vols hit their first six shots of the second half to grow their lead to double digits.

    Up next

    Florida will host No. 24 Vanderbilt on Tuesday night. Tennessee will host No. 20 Missouri on Wednesday night.

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  • Gators coach Golden cleared in Title IX investigation over stalking allegations

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has cleared men’s basketball coach Todd Golden following a four-month Title IX investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking.

    What You Need To Know

    • University of Florida says basketball coach Todd Golden has been cleared in a Title IX investigations

    • The university said there was no evidence to support allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and stalking

    • Golden had said previously that he was frustrated thart confidentiality and privacy continue to be abused in Title IX investigations

    • The Gators are ranked No, 5 and have won 18 of their first 18 games this season

    The school released a statement Monday, saying no evidence was found and ended its investigation. It comes amid No. 5 Florida’s best season in a decade, with the Gators having won 18 of their first 20 games.

    “The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is upheld for everyone,” university spokesman Steve Orlando said in a statement. “After a thorough investigation that included dozens of interviews over the past months, the University of Florida has found no evidence that Todd Golden violated Title IX. The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”

    Golden previously sidestepped chances to deny the allegations “out of the respect to the process” and threatened legal action, presumably against his publicly unnamed accusers. He also recently ripped proceedings that are supposed to be confidential.

    “I am just frustrated and disappointed that a Title IX mechanism that is created to protect both sides during a situation like this — that confidentiality and privacy continues to be abused,” Golden said earlier this month after assistant coach Taurean Green was accused of sexual assault in another Title IX case.

    The school’s University Athletic Association supported Golden throughout the investigation and backed his confidentiality comment following the case’s dismissal.

    “The UAA acknowledges the completion of the review,” the UAA said in a statement. “We take these matters seriously and understand the need for the process to be conducted with strict confidentiality and discretion.

    “Throughout this process, Coach Golden has demonstrated tremendous focus and professionalism, and we commend him for that. As the Gators move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting a championship experience with integrity.”

    The complaint against Golden accused him of sending explicit photos and videos, making unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requesting sexual favors. The Independent Florida Alligator first reported the allegations in early November.

    Title IX is designed to protect students from discrimination, including sexual harassment. Florida began outsourcing its Title IX investigations in 2023 to Grand River Solutions, a private firm based in California.

    The 39-year-old Golden signed a two-year contract extension last March that included a $1 million raise and brought his annually salary to $4 million. The deal runs through the 2029-30 season. He is 58-31 in three seasons.

    His contract prohibits “romantic, amorous and/or sexual relationships between any coach or other employee of the Association and any student athlete or other person subject to the supervision, control and/or authority of such coach or other employee.”

    It also says the university can take disciplinary action if the coach acts in a manner “that has an ‘adverse effect’ or causes an ‘adverse reflection,’ on the reputation, mission and/or interests” of the athletic department or the university.

    The case against Green, meanwhile, is still ongoing. Green is accused of kissing an athletic department employee and trying to put his hand down her pants in March 2024, according to a complaint reviewed by ESPN.

    The woman said she did not report the alleged incident at the time in part because of Green’s status. Green, who won NCAA championships as a player with the Gators in 2006 and 2007, joined the basketball staff in 2022 following a professional basketball career.

    The woman told ESPN she came forward after Title IX investigators working on Golden’s case asked to interview her last fall about Golden’s interactions with female athletes. She said that inquiry made her realize there could be concerns about a pattern of behavior within the program.

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  • No. 5 Florida survives South Carolina 70-69

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    COLUMBIA, S.C.  — Will Richard scored on a driving layup with 4.8 seconds remaining to lift No. 5 Florida — down 14 points in the the second half — past South Carolina, 70-69 on Wednesday night.

    Richard finished with 22 points for the Gators (17-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference). He drove left from the top of the key and banked in the go-ahead layup.

    Jacobi Wright’s desperation 3-pointer was off the mark as South Carolina (10-9, 0-6) continued its worst start in SEC play since the 2013-14 season.

    Walter Clayton Jr. had 16 points for the Gators — who trailed 52-38 with 12 minutes, 46 seconds to play — and set the program record with a 3-pointer in his 42nd straight game.

    Takeaways

    Florida: The Gators have had uneven start to the SEC with a victory over then-top ranked Tennessee and a loss to Missouri at home two games ago.

    South Carolina: The Gamecocks have never started 0-7 in SEC play, but that’s what looms with No. 14 Mississippi State headed to Columbia on Saturday.

    Key moment

    Trailing by 13 points with less than 9 minutes left, Florida forced three consecutive turnovers in the backcourt that led to baskets that cut it to 58-51. The Gamecocks could not settle themselves after that.

    Key stat

    Florida outscored South Carolina 22-0 on fast-break points.

    Up next

    Both teams are back in action Saturday. Florida returns home to face Georgia, and South Carolina faces No. 14 Mississippi State.

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  • Florida avoids letdown with win over Arkansas

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    FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Alijah Martin scored 14 points and three teammates also scored in double figures as No. 8 Florida defeated Arkansas 71-63 on Saturday.

    Alex Condon, Will Richard and Walton Clayton Jr. scored 12 points apiece for the Gators (15-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference), who were coming off a 73-43 win over top-ranked Tennessee on Tuesday.

    Adou Thiero scored nine of his 17 points from the line for Arkansas (11-5, 0-3), which started conference play 0-3 for the second straight season and for the third time in four years.

    First-year Arkansas coach John Calipari fell to 0-3 in conference play for the first time since 1988-89, his first year of college coaching at Massachusetts.

    Florida limited Arkansas to 30% (18 for 6) shooting and 3 for 16 from 3-point range. The Gators scored 19 second-chance points compared to six for Arkansas, and 19 bench points compared to seven for the Razorbacks.

    Takeaways

    Florida: The Gators are poised to take a leap from No. 9 in the rankings after a dominating win and a hard-fought road victory during the week.

    Arkansas: The Razorbacks’ 0-3 start in conference play is not insurmountable, but they are well short of preseason projections in Calipari’s first year.

    Key moment

    Richard and Condon hit back with a combined 7-0 run after Arkansas pulled with five points with about six minutes left.

    Key stat

    Arkansas closed the game with free throws. The Razorbacks outscored Florida 24-13 from the line. The Gators otherwise dominated, including outscoring Arkansas by 15 points from 3-point range.

    Up next

    Florida travels to Missouri on Tuesday. Arkansas plays at LSU on Tuesday.

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  • No. 8 Florida topples top-ranked Tennessee 73-43

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Alijah Martin scored 18 points, Denzel Aberdeen added 16 and No. 8 Florida thumped top-ranked Tennessee 73-43 on Tuesday night to knock off the last unbeaten team in Division I basketball.

    Alex Condon chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double this season as the Gators (14-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) beat a No. 1 team for the third time in school history — the first in six tries at home — and extended their home-winning streak to 16.

    Florida, a 2 1/2-point favorite according to BetMGM Sportsbook, dominated from the opening tip. The Gators scored the first 12 points as the Volunteers (14-1, 1-1) missed their first nine shots.

    The Vols made four shots in the first 20 minutes and trailed by 36 points late.

    Chaz Lanier, who played four seasons at North Florida before signing with Tennessee, scored 10 points on 3-of-16 shooting for the Vols.

    Takeaways

    Tennessee: One of the best defensive teams in the nation, the Vols were solid on that end of the court. Just about every basket Florida made was contested. The offensive end was a different story.

    Florida: The Gators messed one thing up: They sold students tickets to the public as part of a three-game holiday package. Police had to escort dozens of angry students out of their usual, courtside seats before tipoff.

    Key moment

    Aberdeen and Will Richard hit back-to-back 3s midway through the first half, turning a six-point lead into a 13-point advantage and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

    Key stat

    After allowing Kentucky to make 14 3-pointers in a 106-100 loss last week, the Gators held the Vols to 4 of 29 from behind the arc.

    Up next

    Tennessee plays at Texas on Saturday. Florida plays at Arkansas later that night.

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  • Florida trounces Tulane 33-8 in the Gasparilla Bowl

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    TAMPA — DJ Lagway shrugged off a couple of first-half turnovers and threw for 305 yards and a touchdown to lead Florida to a sloppy, but dominating 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday.

    Trey Smack kicked a Gasparilla Bowl-record four field goals for the Gators (8-5), who also got a late TD run from walk-on running back Anthony Rubio, son of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, to finish the season on a four-game win streak.

    Tulane (9-5), which played without starting quarterback Darian Mensah, was outgained 529 yards to 194 and didn’t score until Ty Thompson threw a TD pass in the final minute.

    A true freshman who sparked Florida’s turnaround from a 3-3 start to the season, Lagway finished 22-of-35 passing with two interceptions that contributed to the Gators only leading 6-0 at halftime. Late in the game, Lagway mishandled a snap on fourth-and-1 only to have running back KD Daniels scoop up the ball and run 25 yards for a touchdown.

    Rubio entered in the fourth quarter. With 449-pound defensive lineman Desmond Watson lined up in the backfield behind him, he ran for 8 yards on his first carry and eventually finished a nine-play drive with a 9-yard run that increased Florida’s lead to 33-0.

    The Gators won five of seven after their disappointing start to the season, with most of the surge coming after athletic director Scott Strickin guaranteed coach Billy Napier would return in 2025. Lagway became the starting quarterback after Graham Mertz was lost to a season-ending knee injury in October.

    Tulane, which lost its last three games, played without Mensah, who entered the transfer portal and decided to continue his career at Duke.

    Thompson, who transferred to Tulane from Oregon in 2024, made his first college start — and possibly played his final game for the Green Wave. He also has entered the transfer portal, with the intent of finding a team that wants him to start full-time, though he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the Green Wave.

    Tulane avoided a shutout when Thompson tossed a 16-yard TD pass to Mario Williams. The Green Wave quarterback finished 11 of 29 for 125 yards and three interceptions.

    Takeaways

    Lagway showed flashes of why Florida feels good about its future with him running the offense, but also made some poor decisions with the ball. His end-zone interception cost the Gators at least three points, and he also was unable to get the ball into the end zone after a 38-yard completion to Chimere Dike gave Florida a first down at the Tulane 3 early in the third quarter. Thompson’s audition for a shot at the Green Wave’s starting job did not go well. The junior generally is a better runner than passer, however he wasn’t effective doing either against the Gators.

    Up next

    Florida opens next season at home against LIU, while Tulane hosts Northwestern. Both teams begin Aug. 30.

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  • Florida, Tulane excited about opportunity to end season with Gasparilla Bowl win

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Florida is brimming with confidence after turning its season around. Tulane is looking to regain some swagger.

    The Gators (7-5) and Green Wave (9-4) meet in Friday’s Gasparilla Bowl, with Florida playing just two hours south of its campus and aiming to build on a late surge under coach Billy Napier.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida and Tulane will play in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa on Friday

    • The Gators won its last three regular-season games and signed a strong recruiting class

    • The Green Wave lost their past two games, and their starting quarterback has entered the transfer portal

    • Florida linebacker Shemar James plans to play but says he hasn’t decided whether to the NFL Draft after that

    Tulane, which has lost its past two games, is trying to finish strong against a Power Four opponent after tumbling out of the Top 25.

    “It’s a tough draw. We all know that,” Green Wave coach Jon Sumrall said. “We’re playing Florida in their backyards, and they are playing like one of the best three or four SEC teams the last month of the season.”

    Florida won its last three regular-season games, rallied on the recruiting trail to finish with the 11th-ranked class and has several upperclassmen returning in 2025 — including defensive tackle Caleb Banks, defensive end Tyreak Sapp and All-American center Jake Slaughter.

    All of that happened after Athletic Director Scott Stricklin guaranteed the once-embattled Napier would return in 2025.

    “We’ve gotten to a place where we think we could beat anybody,” Napier said. “This team has a ton of confidence. I think that comes from the work. I think they realize the results that they’ve gotten are because of the mindset and the approach they’ve taken toward the work.

    “So we’ve seen that carry over. Lot of other things have happened in a positive light as well. Signing Day went well. I think we’ve been able to retain a huge portion of our roster for next year.”

    Florida has lost a few key pieces since beating rival Florida State to cap its winning streak, most notably defensive ends Jack Pyburn and T.J. Searcy.

    Still, the Gators seem to have more momentum than Tulane.

    The Green Wave were ranked 18th before dropping its regular-season finale to Memphis, then losing to Army in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.

    Sumrall’s team will play the Gasparilla Bowl without standout quarterback Darian Mensah, who entered the transfer portal and committed to continue his career at Duke.

    Mensah, though, is one of just a few Tulane starters not expected to play. Thirteen seniors are practicing and plan to play, including wide receiver Mario Williams and offensive linemen Josh Remetich.

    “The last two games have been an emotional roller coaster for us. … Just being able to go down there and play against an SEC opponent is really something I don’t take for granted,” Remetich said. “It’s a great team, a great opportunity for us to prove a point.”

    Undecided

    Florida linebacker Shemar James, who plans to play Friday, said he hasn’t made a decision about whether he will return to the Gators in 2025 or declare for the NFL Draft.

    Chance to make an impression

    Quarterback Ty Thompson, who transferred to Tulane from Oregon in 2024, is expected to make his first college start — and possibly play his final game for the Green Wave.

    Thompson has entered the transfer portal with the intent of finding a team that wants him to start full time. But he remains on good terms with Sumrall and could return to the Wave.

    Homecoming

    Wide receiver Mario Williams played for Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma and USC before spending his final college season at Tulane. Now he’s set to play his final game with the Green Wave in his hometown of Tampa.

    Williams set career highs with 54 catches for 940 yards this season. He needs 60 yards to become the eighth 1,000-yard receiver in Tulane history and the first since Ryan Grant in 2013.

    “I just want to have fun,” Williams said when asked about choosing to play over the option of skipping the game to focus exclusively on NFL Draft preparations. “I’m going to go out there and make plays. It was a great decision for me and my family — and also this team — to come here.”

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  • Florida, along with Alabama, among teams headed to Tampa for bowl games

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    The college football bowl season has arrived.

    And there are a few marquee matchups happening in Florida.

    The Florida Gators will face Tulane Dec. 20 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in the Gasparilla Bowl.

    On Dec. 28, Miami and Iowa State will face off in Orlando for the Pop Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium.

    And there are two games happening on New Year’s Eve.

    Michigan will play Alabama at the ReliaQuest Bowl at Ray Jay.

    And South Carolina and Illinois will play in Orlando in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

    USF, meanwhile, will play Dec. 24 against San Jose State in the Hawaii Bowl.

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  • Florida lands state’s strongest recruiting class on Early Signing Day

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    FLORIDA — In terms of sheer numbers among Florida’s college football teams, USF came out on top Wednesday, Early Signing Day, with 25 signees, but Florida got 23 players to formally commit and was ranked No. 11 nationally, seventh in the Southeastern Conference and No. 1 among the state’s teams by 247sports.com.

    Miami was close behind, ranked No. 15 nationally and first among Atlantic Coast Conference schools, and Florida State was 27th nationally and third in the ACC by 247sports.com.

    On a national level, USF was ranked No. 62 nationally and No. 2 in the American Athletic Conference.

    UCF, with just nine signees, was No. 72 nationally and No. 16, dead last, in the Big 12. Early Signing Day came just four days after Gus Malzahn resigned as head coach and was named offensive coordinator at Florida State.

    Rankings can be subjective but are based upon the strength of the rankings of individual players as well as the number of recruits signed. 

    Here are the recruits signed by each program

    University of Florida signees

    • Vernell Brown III, Orlando Jones, 5 feet 11, 175 pounds, wide receiver
    • Waltez “Duke” Clark, Tampa Plant, 6 feet, 3/4 inch, running back
    • Hayden Craig, Mercier, Quebec, Canada Bridgton Academy, 6 feet 1, 223 pounds, punter
    • Tavaris “TJ” Dice, College Park, Ga., Langston Hughes, 6 feet 3.75 inches, 302 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Chad Gasper Jr., Katy, Texas Katy Jordan, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 208 pounds, running back
    • Ben Hanks III, Overtown Booker T. Washington, 6 feet 1, 170 pounds, defensive back
    • Lagonza Hayward, Lyons, Ga., Toombs County, 6 feet 1, 200 pounds, defensive back
    • Ty Jackson, Fort Lauderdale Seminole Ridge, 6 feet, 1.5 inches 205 pounds, inside linebacker
    • Myles Johnson, Brewton, Ala. T.R. Miller, 6 feet, 1/2 inch, 213 pounds, inside linebacker
    • Micah Jones, Madison, Miss., Madison Central, 6 feet 4, 252 pounds, tight end
    • Tramell “TJ” Jones Jr., Jacksonville, Mandarin, 6 feet, 180 pounds, quarterback
    • Byron Louis, Miramar American Heritage, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 206 pounds, running back
    • Joseph Mbatchou, Loganville, Ga. Grayson, 6 feet, 4 inches, 283 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Jeramiah McCloud, Sylvester, Ga., Lee County, 6 feet, 2.75 inches, 289 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Jahari Medlock, Atlanta Charles Drew, 6 feet 5 inches, 281 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Naeshaun “Nae” Montgomery, Miami Central, 6 feet, 1.5 inches, 178 pounds, wide receiver
    • Evan Noel, Bay St. Louis, Miss. St. Stanislaus, 6 feet, 1/4 inch, 154 pounds, kicker
    • Daniel Pierre-Louis, Royal Palm Beach, Seminole Ridge, 6 feet, 4.25 inches, 332 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Stephon “Trell” Shivers, Humboldt, Tenn., Brentwood Academy, 6 feet 4 inches, 384 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Drake Stubbs, Jacksonville Mandarin, 6 feet, 1 inch, 187 pounds, defensive back
    • Muizz Tounkara, League City, Texas Clear Springs, 6 feet, 3 inches, 196 pounds, wide receiver
    • Jalen Wiggins, Tallahassee James Rickards, 6 feet, 4 inches, 257 pounds, edge rusher
    • Jayden Woods, Shawnee, Kan., Mill Valley, 6 feet, 3 inches, 229 pounds, edge rusher

    Miami signees

    • SJ Alofaituli, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 6 feet, 3 inches, 280 pounds, offensive line
    • Jaboree Antoine, New Iberia, La., Westgate, 6 feet, 1 inch, 170 pounds, defensive back 
    • Max Buchanan, Sanford Seminole, 6 feet, 4 inches, 275 pounds, offensive line
    • Demetrius Campbell, Orlando Christian Prep, 6 feet, 6 inches, 300 pounds, offensive line
    • Chris Ewald Jr., Sunrise Chaminade-Madonna Prep, 6 feet, 165 pounds, defensive back
    • Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami Christopher Columbus, 6 feet, 1/2 inch, 172 pounds, defensive back
    • Luka Gilbert, West Chester, Ohio Lakota West, 6 feet, 7 inches, 233 pounds, tight end
    • Hayden Lowe, Los Angeles, Calif. Oaks Christian, 6 feet, 4 inches, 242 pounds, defensive line
    • Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., Miami Central, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 208 pounds, linebacker
    • Josh Moore, West Broward Miami, 6 feet, 4 inches, 205 pounds, wide reciever
    • Mykah Newton, Gainesville Newberry, 6 feet, 2 inches, 255 pounds, defensive line
    • Luke Nickel, Milton Ga., Milton, 6 feet, 2 inches, 205 pounds, quarterback
    • Girard Pringle Jr., Seffner Armwood, 5 feet, 10 inches, 182 pounds, running back
    • Brock Schott, Leo (Ind.) High, 6 feet, 3 inches, 215 pounds, tight end
    • Herbert Scroggins III, Savannah, Ga., Benedictine Military School, defensive end
    • Donta Simpson Jr., Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Prep, 6 feet, 3 inches, defensive line
    • Malachi Toney, Fort Lauderdale American Heritage, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 182 pounds, wide receiver
    • Daylyn Upshaw, Phenix City, Ala. Central, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 180 pounds, wide receiver
    • Amari Wallace, Miami Central, 5 feet, 10 inches, 172 pounds, defensive back
    • Jaden Wilkerson, Orlando Edgewater, 6 feet, 6 inches, 330 pounds, offensive line

    Florida State signees

    • Shamar Arnoux, Carrollton (Ga.) High, 6 feet, 2 inches, 175 pounds, defensive back
    • Jayvan Boggs, Cocoa High School, 6 feet 1 inch, 200 pounds, wide receiver
    • Tyeland Coleman, Terry (Miss.) High/Northwest Mississippi Community College, 6 feet, 4 inches, 285 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Darryll Desir, Miami Norland, 6 feet, 5 inches, 240 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Mandrell Desir, Miami Norland, 6 feet, 4 inches, 240 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Tae’ Shaun Gelsey, Jacksonville Riverside, 6 feet 4 inches, 215 poundsm wide receiver
    • Ousmane Kromah, Leesburg, Ga., Lee County, 6 feet 1, 215 pounds, running back
    • Chase Loftin, Omaha, Neb., Millard South, 6 feet, 6 inches, 215 pounds, tight end
    • Teriq Mallory, New Haven, Conn., Cheshire Academy, 6 feet, 5 inches, 190 pounds, wide receiver
    • Mario Nash Jr., De Kalb, Miss., Kemper County, 6 feet, 4 inches, 280 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Sean Poret, Atlanta Riverwood, 6 feet, 5 inches, 270 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Ethan Pritchard, Sanford Seminole, 6 feet, 2 inches, 205 pounds, linebacker
    • Max Redmon, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 6 feet, 1 inch, 185 pounds, defensive back
    • Brunno Reus, Venice High, 6 feet, 190 pounds, punter/kicker
    • Jordan Scott, Appomattox County High School/Southwest Mississippi Community College, 6 feet, 7 inches, 215 pounds, wide receiver
    • Kevin Sperry, Denton, Texas, Guyerm, 6 feet, 1 inch,  200 pounds, quarterback
    • Zae Thomas Jr., Fort Lauderdale American Heritage, 6 feet, 2 inches, 190 pounds, defensive back
    • Kevin Wynn Jr., Greensboro, Ga., Greene County, 6 feet, 2 inches, 320 pounds, defensive lineman

    USF signees

    • Colin Bellomy, Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison, 6 feet, 6 inches, 260 pounds, offensive lineman
    • DeAngelo Bowden, Washington, D.C. St. John’s, 6 feet, 1 inch, 215 pounds, linebacker
    • Khalil Collins, Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County, 6 feet, 3 inches, 288 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Tayte Crable, Massillon, Ohio, Archbishop Hoban, 6 feet, 5 inches, 215 pounds, tight end
    • Chase Garnett, Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian, 5 feet, 8 inches, 200 pounds, running back
    • Jermichael Gillis, Lakeland High, 6 feet, 1 inch, 170 pounds, safety
    • Luke Goater, Melbourne, Australia, ProKick, 6 feet, 2 inches, 195 pounds, punter
    • Gerrick Gordon Jr., Tampa Carrollwood Day, 6 feet, 3.5 inches, 270 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Caleb Harris, St. Thomas Aquinas, 6 feet, 4 inches, 260 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Locklan Hewlett, St. Augustine High, 6 feet, 1 inch, 175 pounds, quarterback
    • Gavin Jenkins, Lake Butler County, 6 feet, 2 inches, 168 pounds, cornerback
    • Jeremiah Jones, Riverview Sumner, 6 feet, 1 inch, 185 pounds, safety
    • Eli Jones, Venice High, 6 feet, 4 inches, 245 pounds, defensive end
    • Tray Kinkle, Holly Springs (Miss.) High, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 185 pounds, running back
    • Jeremiah Koger, Baltimore St. Francis Academy, 6 feet, 4 inches, 190 pounds, wide receiver
    • Brandon Kubay, Oakdale (Conn.) St. Thomas More, 6 feet, 3 inches, 225 pounds, tight end
    • Gavin Leach, Newburgh (Ind.) Castle, 6 feet, 2 inches, 200 pounds, linebacker
    • Christian Neptune, Cantonment Tate, 5 feet, 11 inches, 180 pounds, wide receiver
    • Herlin Perry Jr., Miami Central, 5 feet, 11 inches, 165 pounds, cornerback
    • Kory Pettigrew, Perry (Ga.) High, 6 feet, 2 inches, 180 pounds, wide receiver
    • Christian Smith, Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison, 6 feet, 3 inches, 230 pounds, linebacker
    • Jabari Smith, Apopka Wekiva High, 5 feet, 10.5 inches, 155 pounds, defensive back
    • Brooks Williams Jr., St. Lucie West Centennial, 6 feet, 6 inches, 220 pounds, defensive end
    • Marcus Williams, Valdosta (Ga.) High, 6 feet, 3 inches, 275 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Khalil Walker, Coffeyville Community College, 6 feet, 5 inches, 310 pounds, offensive lineman

    UCF signees

    • Malakhi Boone, Bushnell South Sumter, 6 feet, 1.5 inches, 235 pounds, linebacker
    • Waden Charles, Somerset Academy Canyons, 6 feet, 2 inches, 185 pounds, wide receiver
    • Santonyo “Kozy” Isaac, Tampa Bay Tech, 5 feet, 11.5 inches, 165 pounds, wide receiver
    • Carl Jenkins Jr., St. Augustine High, 6 feet, 2 inches, 177 pounds, wide receiver
    • Jaquez Joiner, Cocoa High, 6 feet, 3 inches, 260 pounds, offensive lineman
    • Waymond Jordan Jr., Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, 5 feet, 10 inches, 205 pounds, running back
    • RyShawn Perry, Covington (Ga.) Newton, 6 feet 3, 275 pounds, defensive lineman
    • Rukeem Stroud, Tampa Bay Tech, 5 feet, 11 inches, 160 pounds, defensive back
    • Tony Williams, Miami Central, 6 feet, 1 inch, 190 pounds, defensive back

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  • Florida runs over Florida State, recovers five fumbles in 31-11 rivalry win

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Montrell Johnson ran for 99 yards, including a touchdown, and Florida recovered five fumbles in a 31-11 win over Florida State on Saturday.

    Jadan Baugh added 81 yards as Florida racked up 235 rushing yards, while DJ Lagway had two touchdown passes to give coach Billy Napier his first victory over the Seminoles in three tries.

    The Gators (7-5) wrapped up an impressive stretch to finish November, knocking off ranked opponents in LSU and Ole Miss and picking up a victory over Florida State after starting the season 3-3.

    Florida’s defense held Florida State to 79 first-half yards, in which the Seminoles were held to just 2.5 yards per play.

    Lawrance Toafili had a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for Florida State (2-10). The Seminoles dropped all three rivalry games (including Miami and Clemson) by double digits.

    TAKEAWAY

    Florida: The Gators averaged 6.5 yards per carry in the first half and picked up a dominating, first rivalry win over Florida State to finish off an impressive last three weeks in what was arguably the nation’s toughest schedule.

    Florida State: The Seminoles suffered their first season with double-digit losses since 1974, which is two years before Bobby Bowden arrived.

    UP NEXT

    Florida: Regular season ends, awaits bowl announcements on Dec. 8.

    Florida State: Regular season ends.

    ___

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  • Miami tries to ACC title game meeting; UF-FSU renew acquaintances

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    FLORIDA — It’s a simple scenario for the Hurricanes: beat Syracuse on Saturday and earn a trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game.

    Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) defeated Wake Forest in its home finale last weekend and moved within a victory of facing No. 9 SMU in Charlotte on Dec. 7.

    A Miami loss would send No. 12 Clemson (9-2, 7-1), which has already completed its league slate and hosts No. 16 South Carolina.

    Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has won two in a row and has started Fran Brown’s tenure with the program’s winningest season since they recorded 10 victories in 2018.

    While Miami has the most to gain, or lose, this week, the statewide spotlight will be in Tallahassee for the suddenly surging Gators playing at the rival Seminoles, who are wrapping up arguably their most disappointing season ever.

    Since Florida’s 49-17 loss at Texas in early November, the Gators have bounced back with impressive wins at home against ranked teams — beating then-No. 21 LSU 27-16 and then-No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17. Both the Tigers and Rebels were in the conference and playoff mix at the time of those games. 

    Florida State has won two in a row against Florida and nine of the past 13 meetings. However, Florida is a double-digit favorite ahead of this meeting as the disappointing Seminoles have just two wins entering Thanksgiving weekend.

    USF (6-5) isn’t in the mix for the American Athletic Conference crown this season at 4-3 in league play, but the Bulls are closing strong, having won four of their past five.

    The Bulls could add more wins with their season finale Saturday at Rice and then its upcoming bowl game.  

    Meanwhile, UCF, in its second Big 12 season, is left looking up as the conference sorts out title-game contenders. The Knights also are among five Big 12 teams (Arizona, Houston, Oklahoma State, UCF and Utah) that won’t be bowling this season.  

    Here’s a closer look at this weekend’s games:

    Friday, Nov. 28

    Utah (4-7, 1-7 in Big 12) at UCF (4-7, 2-6 in Big 12), 8 p.m., FOX

    In its second season in the Big 12, the Knights return to their traditional Black Friday game to close the regular season. UCF will pay tribute to the more than 20 seniors who will be playing their last game for the team, including running back RJ Harvey, wide receiver Kobe Hudson and defensive tackle Ricky Barber. The senior ceremony and pregame show will begin at 7:15 p.m.

    The teams have never played. Neither squad can get to a bowl game this season but are wrapping up their seasons before a national TV audience. The Knights can notch their 300th program victory.

    In some ways, it could be a classic offense vs. defense matchup. The Knights rank in the top five of the Big 12 in total offense (first), rushing offense (first) and scoring offense (fifth), and the Utes are top five in total defense (third), scoring defense (third), fourth in rushing defense and fifth in passing defense.

    With one more score, Harvey can surpass UCF Hall of Famer Kevin Smith for the program’s total touchdown record. He and senior defensive back BJ Adams have accepted invitations to the Senior Bowl, which will be held in Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

    Saturday, Nov. 29

    USF (6-5, 4-3 in American Athletic Conference) at Rice (3-8, 2-5 in AAC), 2 p.m., ESPN+

    USF is closing out the regular season strong. Since the Bulls’ Oct. 12 loss to Memphis, USF has won four of five games, qualified for a second straight bowl bid and is looking to close out the regular season with a three-game win streak.

    Freshman quarterback Bryce Archie, who has been solid in place of the injured Byrum Brown, is coming off a 305-yard, three-touchdown (two passing) performance in USF’s 63-30 dismantling of Tulsa.

    Wide receiver Sean Atkins has been hot as well, grabbing at least six catches in four consecutive games, and he leads the Bulls with 61 catches this season.

    Rice, meanwhile, enters the finale with four losses in its past five games.

    No. 6 Miami (10-1, 6-1 ACC) at Syracuse (8-3, 4-3 ACC), 3:30 p.m., ESPN

    Miami has been at the top or near the top of the ACC standings throughout the season and looks poised to be in the 12-team playoff.

    But the Orange could make things difficult for Miami. The Hurricanes boast a potent passing attack behind quarterback Cam Ward, who is nearing 4,000 passing yards on the season and has 34 touchdowns.

    Syracuse’s Kyle McCord has been prolific in his own right. McCord has a nation-leading 522 passing attempts this season with 341 completions, 3,946 yards and 26 touchdowns (which ranks in the top 5).

    Still, the Hurricanes are a solid favorite in this matchup, despite a defense that has been shaky at times and has given up more than 30 points four times.

    Florida (6-5, 4-4 in Southeastern Conference) at Florida State (2-9, 1-7 in ACC), 7 p.m., ESPN2

    The Gators have had the stronger season so far, but the rivalry features many players who grew up playing against each other so that usually boosts the competition. The game marks the third meeting between Florida’s Billy Napier and Florida State’s Mike Norvell as head coaches.

    The Seminoles’ defense ranks last in the ACC and 106th nationally, and it will take on Gators’ running backs Montrell Johnson (494 rushing yards), Jaden Baugh (522) and Ja’Kobi Jackson (401). The Seminoles are giving up 180 yards a game on the ground. The Gators, meanwhile, have topped 200 yards just once this season.

    Florida is 4-1 with freshman DJ Lagway starting at quarterback. Lagway will be Florida’s fifth true freshman QB to start against FSU. Luke Kromenhoek is the Seminoles’ third true freshman to start at quarterback against Florida in the past 40 years. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 31 rushing yards, in his first college start last week against Charleston Southern.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Florida knocks No. 9 Ole Miss out of College Football Playoff contention

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Coach Billy Napier and his team did something no one at Florida had done in nearly two decades. It could be the turning point for a once-proud program that clearly slipped in recent years.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Gators defeated the No. 9 Rebels 24-17 on Saturday

    • The loss knocked Mississippi out of College Football Playoff contention

    • The victory was the sixth for Florida this season, making the team bowl eligible

    • The Gators, who also upset then-No. 19 LSU last week, knocked off ranked teams in consecutive weeks

    DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a score, and the Gators upset No. 9 Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday to knock the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention.

    Florida (6-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference), which topped LSU last Saturday in the Swamp, defeated ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008. The victory, the Gators’ sixth this season, also made them bowl eligible.

    “We’re just getting started,” said Napier, who is expected back for a fourth season in 2025. “This is part of the big-picture journey. Belief is the most powerful thing in the world.”

    Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), which was a 10-point favorite, lost for the first time in four games and will drop out of the 12-team playoff picture. The Rebels ranked ninth in the latest CFP and needed only to avoid a letdown against Florida and lowly Mississippi State to clinch a spot in the playoff field.

    “Obviously a lot was at stake, and we didn’t come through,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “A lot of missed opportunities.”

    The Rebels failed to score in three trips inside the red zone and dropped countless passes in perfect weather, miscues Kiffin called “very unusual.”

    Still, Ole Miss had chances late. But Jaxson Dart threw interceptions to end the team’s last two drives. Bryce Thornton, beaten for a touchdown in the first half, picked off both. The second one came with 17 seconds remaining and set up a raucous celebration by defenders in the end zone.

    Dart completed 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards, with two touchdowns and the two picks. He was sacked four times and also scrambled 14 times for a team-high 71 yards.

    “You look at the way we played, we had a chip on our shoulder for sure,” Gators defensive tackle Cam Jackson said.

    The Rebels probably would have had a comfortable lead had it not been for repeated failures inside the 20-yard line. Defensive tackle J.J. Pegues, a 325-pound wrecking ball out of the backfield, was stopped on two fourth-down runs inside the 20-yard line, and Caden Davis missed a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter.

    Ole Miss’ drops were egregious, including at least three that probably would have been touchdowns. Jordan Watkins (twice), Wells (twice), Dae’Quan Wright and star receiver Tre Harris were among the receivers who dropped passes.

    Florida was much more efficient. Lagway completed 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards, with an interception. He made three throws with defenders draped all over him.

    “Those were the plays of the game,” Napier said.

    Johnson had a few of those, too. His 9-yard scoring run from the wildcat formation was huge and came after he missed most of the past four games.

    “I focused on grinding and trying to work my way back,” Johnson said. “Last week, I got a couple carries, and this week I shot to the moon.”

    Injury woes for Ole Miss

    Days after Kiffin raved about the health of his team, the Rebels had three starters go down with injuries.

    Harris, returning after missing the past three games with a strained groin, reinjured it the second quarter and did not return.

    Safety Yam Banks also was carted off the field after injuring his left knee, and center Reece McIntyre left the game. Right tackle Micah Pettus also was injured on a play but was able to return.

    Senior Day for Florida

    Injured quarterback Graham Mertz got the loudest ovation during Florida’s Senior Day recognition. Mertz’s college career ended when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a 23-17 overtime loss at then-No. 8 Tennessee last month.

    The graduating class also includes Johnson, defensive tackle Desmond Watson and cornerback Jason Marshall, who also is out for the season.

    The Takeaway

    Mississippi: The Rebels needed better offensive balance. Playing without running back Henry Parrish Jr. (knee) for the second consecutive game, Ole Miss threw the ball 41 times. Dart also scrambled 14 more. It worked at times against Florida’s depleted secondary but wasn’t a recipe for success.

    Florida: The Gators now have a chance to close the regular season with three consecutive wins, more proof that Napier has the team on the right track.

    Up Next

    Mississippi: The Rebels host Mississippi State in a rivalry known as the Egg Bowl on Friday.

    Florida: The Gators play at rival Florida State next Saturday.

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  • Alijah Martin scores 32 points as Todd Golden, No. 21 Florida top SIU 93-68

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Alijah Martin had a season-high 32 points with nine rebounds, five assists and two steals, and No. 21 Florida beat Southern Illinois 93-68 on Friday night to extend its home winning streak to 12.

    Martin went 11 of 19, including 8 of 13 from 3-point range, and drained four consecutive shots from behind the arc midway through the second half. His career high is 34 points back when he played for Florida Atlantic.

    The Gators (6-0) made a season-high 16 shots from 3-point range, their third consecutive game with double-digit treys.

    Thomas Haugh added a career-high 19 points to go with seven boards for Florida, which is off to its best start since 2021.

    Florida’s Todd Golden coached while the university investigates sexual harassment and stalking allegations.

    Ali Dibba led the Salukis (2-3) with 17 points, and Jarrett Hensley added 14.

    Takeaways

    Southern Illinois: The Salukis played Charleston and Oklahoma State tough this month and looked like they might be in position to exceed expectations under first-year coach Scott Nagy, who won his share of games at Wright State and South Dakota State.

    Florida: The Gators played their most complete game of the young season, leading by 21 at halftime and 30 midway through the second.

    Key moment

    The Gators started slowly before using a 16-0 run over a three-minute span in the first half to build a 35-15 lead. Martin came up huge during the stretch with a dunk, a driving layup and then his second 3 of the night.

    Key stat

    Florida’s 16 3-pointers are the program’s most since hitting 18 against Texas A&M in 2019.

    Up next

    Southern Illinois plays Louisiana Tech in Estero, Florida, on Monday, and Florida plays Wake Forest in Kissimmee, Florida, on Thanksgiving.

    ___

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  • Miami nearing likely playoff bid as FSU looks to stop surprising slide

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    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Officially, the College Football Playoff field gets announced on Dec. 8 and the first game of the tournament is on Dec. 20.

    Those dates don’t really apply to Miami. For the Hurricanes, the CFP may as well start now.

    A win this week means Miami’s playoff chances live on and a loss this week means hope is almost certainly over for the Hurricanes. 

    Meanwhile in Tallahassee, Coach Mike Norvell spent years slowly rebuilding at Florida State and then suddenly turned the Seminoles into a championship contender last season.

    Their current recruiting class, however, is shaping up to be as much of a debacle as anything that’s happened on the field in the past three months. Florida State (1-9), the biggest disappointment in college football this season, has lost nearly as many recruits as games in 2024.

    Norvell’s class is down to 11 after offensive lineman Daniel Pierre Louis flipped to Florida on Tuesday. Pierre Louis made the move after watching the Gators upset LSU on Saturday. The Seminoles also lost four-star quarterback Tramell Jones to Florida.

    Now, FSU is looking for any momentum this week into its season-finale Nov. 30 against rival Florida. 

    In other matchups Saturday, UCF is at West Virginia, USF hosts Tulsa and Florida is hosting no. 9 Mississippi. 

    Here’s a closer look at this week’s games: 
     

    Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) at No. 8 Miami (9-1, 5-1), Noon, ESPN 

    Miami plays host to Wake Forest on Saturday, now with little room for error after falling to Georgia Tech two weeks ago.

    “We’re going to be locked in regardless,” Miami quarterback Cam Ward said. “We’re not really worried about no room for error. Play like that, you mess up. Even when you play good, you’re going to mess up at some point. So, that has no meaning to us.”

    If Miami wins Saturday and again next weekend at Syracuse, the Hurricanes will be heading to the Atlantic Coast Conference title game in Charlotte on Dec. 7. 

    Charleston Southern (1-10)  at FSU (1-9), 1:30 pm, ESPN+ 

    The ‘Noles are last in the Atlantic Coast Conference heading into Saturday’s home game against lower-division Charleston Southern (1-10).

    As much as the Seminoles have struggled this season, the FCS-Charleston Southern Buccaneers should not be much resistance for a much-needed second win of the year for FSU.  

    The Seminoles need as much confidence and momentum they can acquire heading into next week’s matchup vs. Florida. 

    UCF (4-6, 2-5 in Big 12) at West Virginia (5-5, 4-3), 3:30 p.m., ESPNU

    The Knights head to Morgantown, WVa. for their last road trip of 2024 regular football season on Saturday, needing to sweep their last two games to avoid missing a bowl game for the first time since 2015. History is not on their side Saturday because the Knights have played the West Virginia Mountaineers three previous times and lost all those games. It’s the last home game for the Mountaineers seniors, and they are just 2-4 at Milan Puskar Stadium this season, their worst home record since 2019. The ground game could decide the outcome of this one because UCF, led by Doak Walker Award semifinalist RJ Harvey, ranks second nationally in rushing yards with 262.8 yards per game and West Virginia is 28th nationally but fourth in the Big 12, averaging 197.2 rushing yards. A victory would mark the 300th in UCF football history.

    No. 9 Mississippi (8-2, 4-2 in Southeastern Conference) at Florida (5-5, 3-4), noon, ABC and ESPN+

    Before Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said Billy Napier would be back as coach next season, many Gators fans were hoping to attract Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin to lead their team. Napier and Kiffin coached together under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2014-16, but this is their first matchup as opposing head coaches. After a slow start to the season, Florida has outscored its past three opponents in the Swamp by 50 total points. All of Florida’s losses have come against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 15. After a week off because of a left hamstring injury, Gators quarterback DJ Lagway returned last week to lead Florida over then-No. 21 LSU 27-16, knocking the Tigers out of the Top 25. Lagway completed 13 of 26 passes for 226 yards, including one touchdown. Mississippi’s Tre Harris ranks fifth nationally in receiving yards with 987 yards, and he has missed the Rebels’ past three games. He is expected to return this week. Mississippi is coming off a bye week. Former Gators defensive end Princely Umanmielen plays for the Rebels now and has recorded multiple sacks in his past three games. 
     

    Tulsa (3-7, 1-5 American Atletic Conference) at USF (5-5, 3-3), 3:30 p.m., ESPN+ 

    Tulsa has won two of the last three meetings between these two foes, and took the last two by a total of seven points. USF will have to avoid that fate if it wants to secure bowl eligibility this week with a win. 

    Expect nother heavy dose of USF’s suddenly potent rushing attack, which ran for a program-record 425 rushing yards in last week’s 59-24 win at Charlotte. 

    The Bulls are coming into their home-finale winners of three of its last five games while Tulsa has won just once since late September. 

     

    Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. 

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  • Florida upsets No. 21 LSU 27-16

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — DJ Lagway threw for a touchdown and set up another with a long completion in his return from a strained left hamstring, and Florida upset No. 21 LSU 27-16 on Saturday to give the Gators their first series victory since 2018.

    Jadan Baugh’s 55-yard scoring scamper with 3:48 remaining essentially sealed it and put the Gators (5-5, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) on the verge of becoming bowl eligible.

    Florida had dropped eight in a row against ranked opponents and was 1-10 under coach Billy Napier in rivalry games.

    Former Florida coach Steve Spurrier suggested all week that fans should rush the field named after him if the Gators win. But it didn’t happen.

    Florida’s defense, though, deserved to be celebrated. The unit sacked Garrett Nussmeier seven times — one more than LSU (6-4, 3-3) allowed in its first nine games combined.

    Lagway provided the big plays on offense for Florida. After sitting out most of the last two losses with the injury, he connected with Elijhah Badger for a 23-yard score in the first. He never scrambled but was mobile enough to create extra time by moving around the pocket.

    He completed 13 of 26 passes for 226 yards. Badger caught six passes for 131 yards.

    The game started to turn in Florida’s favor when T.J. Searcy sacked Nussmeier late in the third quarter. Nussmeier fumbled, one of his linemen scooped it out of the air and then fumbled again. Caleb Banks recovered, one of several huge plays for the defensive tackle.

    The Gators went backward from there despite the solid field position and ended up punting. But Jeremy Crawshaw pinned the Tigers inside the 10.

    Florida then forced a punt and started another drive in LSU territory. This time, Lagway found Badger for a 36-yard gain that set up Ja’Kobi Jackson’s 1-yard scoring run.

    LSU dominated time of possession in the first half and doubled up Florida in plays. But Nussmeier struggled to find time in the second half. He completed 27 of 47 passes for 260 yards, with a touchdown and the fumble.

    The Takeaway

    LSU: Coach Brian Kelly’s streak of 10-win seasons will end at seven. Kelly won double-digit games in each of his last four years at Notre Dame and extended it with consecutive 10-win seasons in Baton Rouge. But losing three in a row to Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida make it impossible to get past nine and will surely lower his approval rating with the team’s frustrated fanbase.

    Florida: The Gators will have to win one of their final two games, against Ole Miss and at Florida State, to become bowl eligible for the second time in Napier’s three seasons. Florida is trying to avoid its fourth consecutive losing season.

    Up Next

    LSU: Hosts Vanderbilt next Saturday.

    Florida: Hosts Ole Miss in its home finale next Saturday.

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  • No. 20 Florida beat Florida State 87-74 on the road

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    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Walter Clayton scored 16 of his 25 points in the first half and No. 20 Florida held off a late rally to beat Florida State 87-74 on Friday night.

    Florida’s Todd Golden coached his first road game after allegations of sexual harassment and stalking surfaced last week. Golden was greeted by boos from a sold-out Florida State student section.

    Alijah Martin added 17 points and five rebounds, Alex Condon had seven points and 12 rebounds and Florida (4-0) won its fourth straight rivalry game against Florida State.

    Florida State trailed by 15 with just under eight minutes to go but chipped away and cut Florida’s lead to 77-73 with 2:23 to go. But Clayton and Martin made 3s to help Florida secure the win.

    Jamir Watkins had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Seminoles (3-1). Justin Thomas hit three 3-pointers in the second half, finishing with 11 points.

    Takeaways

    Florida: The Gators had 13 offensive rebounds and produced 16 second-chance points.

    Florida State: The Seminoles forced 19 turnovers, producing 16 points off turnovers, but the defensive effort wasn’t enough.

    Key moment

    The Gators made 3s on back-to-back possessions to punctuate a 14-2 run, extending their lead to 37-19 with 5:36 until halftime.

    Key stat

    Florida shot 26% from 3-point range in its first three games but was 7 of 15 (46.7%) from beyond the arc in the first half and raced to a 44-31 lead at the break.

    Up next

    Florida hosts Florida A&M on Tuesday, the same day Florida State hosts Hofstra.

    ___

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  • Squads looking for strong finishes with bowl bids on the line

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    TAMPA, Fla. — With the college football regular season winding down, bowl eligibility still remains in reach for most of Florida’s squads.

    But only two can get closer this week: only Florida and USF are in action as UCF, FSU and Miami all have bye weeks.

    Still, with a quick glance as the remaining schedules, nothing is automatic for the Gators, Bulls or Knights. FSU, going through a historically disappointing campaign, will not have a bowl. And Miami, still sporting a no. 9 ranking and no. 4 playoff seeding, appears headed to a playoff berth.

    UCF get an extra week to try to prepare for their final two games, against West Virginia and Utah, which they must win if they want to avoid missing a bowl game for the first time since 2015.

    Meanwhile, USF and UF, both 4-5 overall, are trying to reach the six-win mark and a bowl invite.

    It may come easier for USF, with three remaining November opponents (Charlotte, Tulsa and Rice) having just a combined nine wins. Florida has to navigate LSU, Ole Miss and then the annual rival FSU.

    Here’s a look at this week’s games:

    USF (4-5, 2-3 in American Athletic Conference) at Charlotte (3-6, 2-3 in AAC), 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

    Winners of two of its last three, USF struggled in a 28-7 loss last week at home against Navy. That leaves USF needing wins in two of its last three to reach a bowl for the second straight season under coach Alex Golesh. The Bulls may start QB Bryce Archie for the fifth straight game as Byrum Brown continues to be sidelined since being injured Sept. 28.

    Charlotte, which has not played since Halloween night, is coming into the matchup with three straight losses. The 49ers opened their AAC schedule with wins against Rice and East Carolina but have struggled since then.  

    USF leads the series between the schools 1-0, winning 48-14 in 2023 in Tampa.

    No. 21 LSU (6-3 overall, 3-2 in Southeastern Conference) at Florida (4-5, 2-4 in SEC), 3:30 p.m., ABC and ESPN+

    The Gators must win two of their last three games to become bowl eligible, or it will mark the first time since a stretch from 1989 through 1991 that they have not gone to a bowl game in consecutive years. Meanwhile, the Tigers are out of contention for the College Football Playoffs after dropping two games in a row to ranked opponents, but they still have a chance to win 10 games for the third season in a row under coach Brian Kelly.

    Quarterback DJ Lagway has practiced for multiple days this week and is expected to return for the Gators after he missed last week’s game with a strained left hamstring. That could be bad news for the Tigers, who have struggled to stop mobile quarterbacks all season. Not only that, but the Tigers have given up a combined 553 rushing yards in their past two games and now face a Gators offense coming off a nearly 200-yard rushing performance at Texas. LSU has won five games in a row against Florida, the longest streak in the history of that series.

    Florida is 2-14 against ranked teams under coach Billy Napier and 1-10 against rivals Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami and Tennessee. 

    Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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  • Injured Gators quarterback DJ Lagway practices for the 3rd day in a row

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    GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Injured Florida quarterback DJ Lagway practiced for the third consecutive day Wednesday, making progress toward a potential return against No. 21 LSU.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ailing Gators quarterback DJ Lagway has practiced for three days in a row

    • Lagway strained his left hamstring in a loss to Georgia on Nov. 2

    • Coach Billy Napier says Lagway is health is improving and he is expected to play again this season

    • Florida must win two of its last three games to become bowl eligible and faces No. 21 LSU on Saturday

    “He is getting closer and closer to being prepared to play,” coach Billy Napier said following practice. “We are creating a game-day environment in terms of the treatment and modifications we’re using to make sure he’s comfortable with that. … He felt better today than he did yesterday. We’ll hopeful that will be the case tomorrow.”

    The highly touted freshman was carted off the field with a strained left hamstring against Georgia on Nov. 2. He returned to the sideline in the second half with his legged wrapped and using crutches.

    Tests revealed his injury was “less significant” than initially feared, and Napier expects him to play again this season. Will it happen against the Tigers?

    The Gators (4-5, 2-4 Southeastern Conference) could use him. They need to win two of their final three games to become bowl eligible.

    LSU (6-3, 3-2) has struggled mightily against dual-threat QBs, including allowing Alabama’s Jalen Milroe to run for 185 yards and four touchdowns two weeks after Marcel Reed of Texas A&M ran for 62 yards and three scores.

    “Given their structure and the way they play defense, one of the ways to neutralize that is to use the quarterback,” Napier said. “So you’ve seen a number of teams do that. Obviously, our situation is a little bit different, but we’re going to do what we need to do to manage DJ in his injury situation.”

    If Lagway can’t play against the Tigers, walk-on and Yale transfer Aidan Warner would make his second straight start.

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    Associated Press

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