Florida has its first SEC win of the Billy Napier era. The Gators were unable to put the game away and cruise to victory despite multiple double-digit leads but managed to outlast Mizzou to notch a 24-17 win on homecoming in Gainesville.

UF was unable to run out the final 5:58 with a 24-17 lead. Florida QB Anthony Richardson threw an interception on 3rd down that gave the Tigers a shot to tie with 2:57 left.

It all came down to a 4th-and-2 on the Florida 48-yard line. Mizzou QB Brady Cook’s pass was incomplete, with the officials opting not to blow the whistle on potential pass interference.

In the first half, Mizzou dominated Florida on offense in total yards (196-65) and first downs (11-3), but the score was 10-10 at the break. UF’s first-half touchdown came off of a defensive interception, with the field goal set up by a punt return.

Florida and QB Anthony Richardson struggled to get anything going early. Richardson ended the first half just 4-of-8 passing for 46 yards and without a rush.

Richardson and the Gators did not look much better to start the third quarter. But just as it started to look like it might be time for Florida to make a quarterback change, Richardson stepped up and made a big play.

On 4th-and-2 from the Mizzou 35-yard line, Richardson ran for 32 yards. Montrell Johnson punched it in to give the lead back to the Gators 17-10 with the extra point.

Florida CB Jaydon Hill had a career game, snagging the first 2 interceptions in his 4 seasons as a Gator. Hill turned his first INT into a pick-6, giving UF an early 10-0 lead. His second pick came in the second half when Mizzou was in the red zone, threatening to score.

After Hill’s second interception, the Gators went 91 yards on 9 plays. The drive was capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass from Richardson to Ricky Pearsall, Florida’s only passing touchdown of the game.

Mizzou’s Brady Cook was the more productive passer (22-of-30, 220 yards), but the 2 interceptions were extremely costly, leading to 2-of-3 Florida touchdowns. Richardson finished 8-of-14 passing for 66 yards and a TD.

Florida’s second-half dominance came via the ground game. The Gators rushed for 212 yards in the final 2 quarters, holding the Tigers to 51 rushing yards. UF’s ground game was led by Montrell Johnson Jr. (8 carries, 86 yards, TD) and Trevor Etienne (10 carries, 83 yards).

Mizzou’s Nathaniel Peat led all rushers with 20 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. Cody Schrader also has 8 rushes for 17 yards and a Tiger TD.