Jacksonville, Fla. — A year ago, both Georgia and Florida walked away from this rivalry frustrated — the Gators lost quarterback DJ Lagway to injury, while Bulldog signal-caller Carson Beck tossed three interceptions in an ugly Georgia win.
This year’s rematch carried no shortage of storylines. Georgia entered fresh off a 43–35 shootout win over Ole Miss, while Florida, coming off a bye, took the field without head coach Billy Napier. Interim coach Billy Gonzales had his team ready — but Georgia once again found a way to survive, 24–20, in another nail-biter between the SEC rivals.
First Half: Fast Start, Fierce Defense
Florida came out aggressive from the opening snap. Instead of easing Lagway in with a run, the Gators let their dual-threat freshman open with a pass — and he looked comfortable using both his arm and legs throughout the night.
Georgia started strong as well. Quarterback Gunner Stockton found an early rhythm through the air, converting a third down and drawing a pass interference call to extend the Bulldogs’ opening drive. He capped it off with a strike to Dillon Bell for the game’s first touchdown and a 7–0 Georgia lead.
Florida responded instantly. On the next play from scrimmage, Lagway connected deep with Eugene Wilson III for a 40-yard touchdown, knotting the game at 7–7 just seven seconds later. Wilson was a difference-maker all evening, finishing with 121 receiving yards.
Momentum swung Florida’s way late in the first quarter when a tipped pass led to an interception by Jordan Moore, setting up a short field goal to put the Gators ahead 10–7 after one.
The second quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both teams trading punts and heavy hits. Georgia managed a late field goal to tie it 10–10 at halftime.
Second Half: Georgia Regains Control
The Bulldogs struck quickly after the break. Stockton connected with Dominic Grant for 42 yards, then hit Arian Thomas for a touchdown to push Georgia back in front 17–10.
Florida refused to fold. Jaden Baugh powered a gritty 12-play, 79-yard drive, aided by two Georgia pass interference penalties. The freshman tailback finished it himself with a short touchdown run to even things up 17–17 midway through the third.
Moments later, kicker Trey Smack drilled a 54-yard field goal — his ninth from beyond 50 yards this season, setting a Florida single-season record — to give the Gators their first lead since the opening quarter, 20–17.
But Georgia’s response was swift and decisive. After stopping Florida on a critical fourth-and-one deep in Bulldog territory, Stockton led a lightning-fast 82-yard drive. Chauncey Bowens capped it off by bursting through the middle for a 36-yard touchdown, giving Georgia a 24–20 lead they would not relinquish.
Late Drama and Missed Chances
Florida’s offense had opportunities late but couldn’t sustain drives, finishing just 2-for-11 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth.
Lagway completed 15 of 24 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown, while Stockton finished 20 of 29 for 223 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Wideout Zachariah Branch provided a spark for Georgia, recording 11 receptions for 112 yards, including 83 yards after the catch.
Down by four in the final minutes, Lagway and the Gators mounted one last drive. But a controversial incompletion on third down and a well-defended fourth-down pass sealed their fate. Georgia then ran out the clock, with Stockton sliding at the 1-yard line to secure the win.
Postgame Reflections
Under interim coach Billy Gonzales, Florida’s offense showed more balance and explosiveness — but failed fourth-down conversions proved costly.
“No regrets,” Gonzales said after the game. “These guys don’t have any quit in them. We came here to win and came up short. The Gators expect to win. There are no moral victories — you either win or you lose.”
For Georgia, it was another test of resilience. The Bulldogs overcame early mistakes and leaned on poise down the stretch — a habit that could serve them well in the season’s final weeks.
Up Next:
Georgia (8–1, 6–1 SEC) visits Mississippi State next week as they continue their push toward another SEC Championship berth.
Florida (5–3, 3–3 SEC) will regroup after showing encouraging signs under new leadership, looking to build on the progress made despite the loss.
