By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier was on the hot seat earlier this season. There was even some speculation that Lane Kiffin would leave the Ole Miss Rebels to take the job.
Napier guided the Gators to a 24-17 win over the Rebels on Saturday afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
After losing back-to-back games to top-five opponents, the then-No. 2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the then-No. 5 ranked Texas Longhorns, the Gators could have folded. Yet, they won back-to-back games against ranked opponents. The team defeated the then-No. 22 ranked LSU Tigers 27-16, also at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida is now bowl-eligible with a 6-5 record despite having the toughest schedule in 2024.
“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.”
This may turn into a devastating loss for the Rebels. They were the No. 9 ranked team in the College Football Playoff Top 25. However, the loss will likely drop them outside of the Top 12.
“Obviously a lot was at stake, and we didn’t come through,” coach Lane Kiffin said. “A lot of missed opportunities.”
The Gators hold a 13-12-1 mark against the Rebels. Florida has won three straight games in the series.
They also won 51-35 on September 26th, 2020 in Oxford, Mississippi. They also won 38-10 over Ole Miss on October 3rd, 2015, in Gainesville, Florida.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway went 10 of 17 for 180 yards. He had two touchdown passes and one interception.
Montrell Johnson Jr. had 18 carries for 107 yards and one touchdown. Elijah Badger had five receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown.
Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart went 24 of 41 for 323 yards. He had two touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Dart had 14 carries for 71 yards. Cayden Lee had six receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown.
The Gators outscored the Rebels 10-3 in the second half. Johnson Jr. scored on a nine-yard rushing touchdown.
Trey Smack also made a 53-yard field goal.
Rebels’ Caden Davis made a 42-yard field goal.
At halftime, the game was tied at 14. Both teams scored all 14 points in the second quarter.
Lagway hit Badger for an eight-yard touchdown reception. Lagway hit Jadan Baugh for a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Dart hit Tre Harris for a 43-yard touchdown reception. Dart also Lee for a 22-yard touchdown reception.
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