For the second time in 18 meetings, the Florida Gators have lost to the Tennessee Volunteers.
[autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s crew fell on Saturday, 38-33, but it was a close battle that got a bit out of hand late and then almost turned into the comeback of the decade. The Gators kept pace with the quick-moving Tennessee offense early, forcing a pair of fumbles in the first half. Hendon Hooker was unstoppable, though. He picked apart the Florida defense all night, putting up 349 passing yards, 112 rushing yards and three total touchdowns.
Florida’s Anthony Richardson did all he could to keep Florida in the game, but it was his costly turnover in the second half that halted the Gators’ momentum momentarily. A late score and successful onside kick gave UF a shot to pull off an amazing 13-point comeback in the final six minutes of the game, but Richardson couldn’t escape the sack that ended the game.
It’s a painful loss for Florida that brings the Gators to 0-2 in SEC play, but there were many silver linings to take away from the game.