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 last two minutes.
On the primary interception, Dart took a shot to the top zone into triple protection, getting picked off by Bryce Thornton with just 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 likelihood to tie the sport with simply over a minute left.
Nonetheless, Dart didn’t take benefit. With just below 30 seconds left, Dart overthrew his huge receiver, and Thornton, as soon as once more, was in place to intercept the cross and finish the sport.
Saturday’s loss marked the primary time Dart has thrown a number of interceptions in a recreation 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 huge receiver Tre Harris on a deep shot, tying the rating at seven after the 43-yard landing.
NO. 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECRUIT FLIPS COMMITMENT FROM LSU TO MICHIGAN IN SHOCKING MOVE
Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) runs with the ball throughout a recreation towards the Florida Gators Nov. 23, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Subject in Gainesville, Fla. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photographs)
The Rebels quarterback stayed sizzling, hitting huge receiver Cayden Lee for a 22-yard landing to present Ole Miss a 14-7 lead within the second quarter.
It was the Gators’ flip to reply. Lagway hit working again Jadan Baugh on a display screen cross, and Baugh did the remainder, scampering in for a 25-yard landing to tie the sport 14-14.
After buying and selling subject 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 high 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 dashing 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 recreation 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 recreation beating a ranked opponent whereas being unranked, one thing they hadn’t accomplished 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 sure 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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