Florida Gators Defeat Florida State Seminoles 31-11: Key Highlights and Impact

FLORIDA 31, FLORIDA STATE 11

What Happened

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — DJ Lagway passed for two touchdowns, and Montrell Johnson Jr. rushed for another as Florida defeated Florida State, 31-11, at Doak Campbell Stadium. This victory secured a winning season for Florida (7-5) and marked the first defeat of FSU (2-10) since 2021, sending the Seminoles to their first 10-loss season in half a century.

The Gators extended their lead early in the fourth quarter. Johnson, the senior running back, sprinted 65 yards for a touchdown, pushing the score to 24-3. He finished with 99 yards on 10 carries, surpassing 3,000 career rushing yards.

Lagway completed 14 of 22 passes for 133 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He became the first true freshman quarterback for Florida to win in Tallahassee. Lagway threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Burke in the second quarter, putting Florida ahead 14-0. His second touchdown pass was an 8-yard throw to Tony Livingston late in the game.

Florida took an early lead when edge rusher Jack Pyburn sacked FSU quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, causing a fumble. Teammate D’Antre Robinson recovered the fumble at FSU’s 14-yard line. Ja’Kobi Jackson ran it in from one yard out for the touchdown, giving Florida a 7-0 lead.

Florida’s defense was dominant, recovering five fumbles and scoring 14 points from turnovers. They recorded eight sacks and allowed FSU only 239 total yards. Florida gained 368 yards.

The Gators’ best offensive series came in the second quarter. They drove 80 yards in nine plays, capped by Lagway’s touchdown pass to Burke just before halftime. Lagway went 4-for-4 for 60 yards during that drive.

FSU scored a 39-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald early in the second half. Their only other points came from a 2-yard touchdown run by Lawrance Toafili late in the game.

After Fitzgerald’s kick, Rocco Underwood recovered a muffed punt, setting up a 30-yard field goal by Trey Smack and extending Florida’s lead to 17-3.

The Gators maintained control throughout the second half, with a relentless defense that pressured Kromenhoek.

What it Means

Florida’s victory marks the first winning season in head coach Billy Napier‘s three years. This win ends a streak of three losing seasons since 2021. The Gators have also regained momentum, building on recent home victories over LSU and Ole Miss.

In the Spotlight

This game featured a matchup between true freshman quarterbacks, Lagway and Kromenhoek. Lagway finished the season with a 5-1 record as Florida’s starter, while Kromenhoek went 15 of 28 for 140 yards in his second start.

Staggering Statistic

Florida’s defense recorded a total of 18 sacks over the last three games, including eight against FSU. They also achieved 36 tackles for loss during this stretch, highlighting their defensive prowess.

Up Next

Florida may join the AP Top 25 after this victory. They have potential bowl game options, including the Gasparilla Bowl, Gator Bowl, and Music City Bowl. The final bowl schedule will be determined by Sunday, December 8.