The Florida Gators delivered a crushing blow to No. 9-ranked Ole Miss’ hopes of constructing the School Soccer Playoff, beating the Rebels 24-17 Saturday.
The Rebels had an opportunity to tie the sport late, however quarterback Jaxson Dart threw two interceptions within the remaining two minutes.
On the primary interception, Dart took a shot to the top zone into triple protection, getting picked off by Bryce Thornton with slightly below two minutes left.
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Head coach Billy Napier of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Mississippi Rebels 24-17 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Photographs)
The Rebels’ protection pressured a three-and-out following the interception whereas utilizing all their timeouts, giving Dart and the Rebels one other probability to tie the sport with simply over a minute left.
Nevertheless, Dart didn’t take benefit. With slightly below 30 seconds left, Dart overthrew his extensive receiver, and Thornton, as soon as once more, was in place to intercept the go and finish the sport.
Saturday’s loss marked the primary time Dart has thrown a number of interceptions in a sport in two seasons.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway opened the scoring within the first quarter by connecting with Elijhah Badger on an 8-yard landing.
Dart responded by connecting with star extensive receiver Tre Harris on a deep shot, tying the rating at seven after the 43-yard landing.
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Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs with the ball throughout a sport towards the Florida Gators Nov. 23, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Subject in Gainesville, Fla. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)
The Rebels quarterback stayed scorching, hitting extensive receiver Cayden Lee for a 22-yard landing to provide Ole Miss a 14-7 lead within the second quarter.
It was the Gators’ flip to reply. Lagway hit operating again Jadan Baugh on a display screen go, and Baugh did the remaining, scampering in for a 25-yard landing to tie the sport 14-14.
After buying and selling area targets within the third quarter to make it 17-17, the Gators’ offense went to work.
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Working again Montrell Johnson Jr. punched in a landing from 9 yards out to place the Gators on prime 24-17, the place the rating held.
Johnson Jr. ran for 107 yards and a landing on 18 carries, whereas Lagway threw for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception within the win.
Dart threw for 323 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions whereas speeding for 71 yards within the loss. Lee ended the day with six catches for 94 yards and a landing.
DJ Lagway of the Florida Gators warms up earlier than the beginning of a sport towards the Mississippi Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (James Gilbert/Getty Photographs)
It was the Gators’ second straight sport beating a ranked opponent whereas being unranked, one thing they hadn’t achieved since 2003.
The win for the Gators makes them bowl eligible as they improved to 6-5 with the win. The Gators will look to maintain it rolling after they tackle the rival Florida State Seminoles subsequent Saturday.
The loss drops the Rebels to 8-3 and certain takes them out of School Soccer Playoff competition. The Rebels will look to bounce again after they tackle Mississippi State subsequent Saturday.
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