WATCH: Former Wisconsin WR scores electrifying game-tying touchdown in Florida’s OT loss to Tennessee

Big moment for Chimere Dike against Tennessee on Saturday:

Former Wisconsin wide receiver Chimere Dike was the center of the college football world for a few minutes on Saturday night.

The longtime Badger caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Florida backup quarterback D.J. Lagway to tie the Gators’ game against No. 8 Tennessee at 17 with 30 seconds remaining in regulation.

Tennessee would go on to win 23-17 in overtime on a one-yard touchdown run from RB Dylan Sampson. But Dike’s game-extending touchdown grab brought a potential season-defining upset into the picture. It was almost the highlight moment of what was an all-time day in the sport.

Here is the play, as Dike silenced an anxious Tennessee home crowd:

Lagway was in the game for Florida after starter and former Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz went down with an injury. The freshman had an up-and-down showing, completing nine of 17 passes for 98 yards, that touchdown and one crucial interception.

Dike finished the contest with four receptions for 76 yards and the touchdown. His season-long totals are up to 19 catches, 353 yards and two touchdowns.

Florida drops to 3-3 on the season and 1-2 in SEC play with the loss, while Tennessee improves to 5-1 (2-1 SEC).

The story surrounding the Gators will now turn to the health of Mertz and the long-term status of head coach Billy Napier. Things don’t get any easier for the Gators, with upcoming games against No. 5 Georgia, No. 1 Texas, No. 13 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss.

Mertz’s injury and questions about the head coach paint a less-than-optimistic rest-of-season outlook.

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