Florida Stuns No. 9 Ole Miss, Ending Rebels’ Playoff Dreams
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Swamp was electric on Saturday as the Florida Gators pulled off a jaw-dropping upset over No. 9 Ole Miss, winning 24-17 and effectively crushing the Rebels’ College Football Playoff hopes. It was a game filled with drama, mistakes, and a whole lot of heart from the underdog Gators, who are now bowl eligible after a late-season surge that has fans buzzing.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway led the charge with two touchdown passes, while running back Montrell Johnson bulldozed his way to 127 rushing yards and a score. The Gators (6-5, 4-4 SEC) have now beaten ranked teams in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 2008, following last week’s victory over LSU. This win not only secured bowl eligibility but also gave embattled head coach Billy Napier a much-needed boost as he looks ahead to his fourth season.
For Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), the loss was a gut punch. Coming into the game as 13.5-point favorites according to ESPN BET, the Rebels had their sights set on a playoff berth. Ranked ninth in the latest CFP standings, all they needed to do was avoid any major slip-ups against Florida and Mississippi State to secure their spot. Instead, they stumbled hard in Gainesville, and their playoff dreams are now in tatters.
Florida’s Historic Upset
This wasn’t just any upset—it was historic. Saturday’s win marked Florida’s second-largest upset in the last 45 seasons, trailing only their 2016 victory over No. 16 LSU as 14-point underdogs. It was also the Gators’ first win as a double-digit home underdog in the same 45-season span. Talk about making a statement!
“This team has heart,” said a jubilant Florida fan after the game. “We’ve been through ups and downs, but this is the kind of win that reminds you why you love college football.”
Ole Miss’ Day to Forget
For Lane Kiffin and his Rebels, it was a day filled with missed opportunities and costly mistakes. Consider these brutal stats:
- 0 for 3 on trips inside the red zone
- A season-high three turnovers
- 3 for 14 on third downs
- A season-high five dropped passes
Despite perfect weather conditions, Ole Miss couldn’t seem to get out of their own way. Quarterback Jaxson Dart had a mixed performance, completing 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards and two touchdowns, but his two late-game interceptions sealed the Rebels’ fate. Dart also led the team in rushing with 71 yards on 14 scrambles, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s red-zone woes and dropped passes.
Defensive tackle JJ Pegues, a 325-pound powerhouse, was stopped on two critical fourth-down runs inside the 20-yard line. To make matters worse, kicker Caden Davis missed a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter. And let’s not forget the dropped passes—at least three of which could have been touchdowns. Among the culprits were Jordan Watkins, Wells, Tre Harris, and Dae’Quan Wright.
Florida’s Defensive Heroics
While Ole Miss struggled, Florida’s defense rose to the occasion. Safety Bryce Thornton was the hero of the day, intercepting passes on the Rebels’ final two drives. His second pick, with just 17 seconds left on the clock, sent the Florida sideline into a frenzy. Players stormed the end zone in celebration, a fitting end to a game that will be remembered for years to come.
“We knew we had to step up,” Thornton said after the game. “This was about pride, about showing what Florida football is all about.”
Looking Ahead
For Florida, the win caps off a remarkable turnaround late in the season. With bowl eligibility now secured, the Gators have a chance to build on this momentum heading into the postseason. For Ole Miss, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Once in control of their playoff destiny, the Rebels now face an uncertain future as they prepare for their regular-season finale against Mississippi State.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: college football is as unpredictable as ever. And for Florida fans, Saturday’s win was a reminder that anything can happen in The Swamp.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
