Video: Florida jumps ahead of LSU on second-longest TD in program history
Having gained only 60 offensive yards and trailing LSU 7-3 in the third quarter, Florida needed a big play in the worst way.
The Gators didn’t just get a big play — they produced the second-longest touchdown in program history.
One play after a poor hold spoiled a chip-shot Tigers’ field-goal attempt, Florida quarterback Austin Appleby found freshman receiver Tyrie Cleveland for a 98-yard touchdown. Cleveland shook off cornerback Donte Jackson’s tackle and managed to stay in bounds before sprinting untouched the rest of the way.
Appleby’s toss to Cleveland was almost to the longest play in school history, second only to Cris Collinsworth’s 99-yard scoring strike to Derrick Gaffney against Rice in 1977.
https://twitter.com/SDS/status/800067050764980224
According to ESPN analytics writer Sharon Katz, the huge play swung the win percentage about 26 points in the Gators’ favor.
Well, that changed quickly. Botched FG followed by 98 yard TD increased Florida's chance to win by about 26 percentage points… pic.twitter.com/Z44JqPDNKY
— Sharon Katz (@skatz23) November 19, 2016
No. 23 Florida currently leads No. 16 LSU 10-7 with about five minutes left in the third quarter.