GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Following their recent triumph that secured bowl eligibility for the first time in two years, Florida players were eager to celebrate their achievement. Among the items they found on the sideline was a basketball hoop left behind by Ole Miss, which the Rebels typically use to commemorate significant plays during games.
The Gators made use of the hoop, gathering footballs to engage in their own dunk contest near the end zone, creating a perfect backdrop to showcase their celebratory moves after defeating another ranked opponent. The team achieved a 24-17 victory over then-ninth-ranked Mississippi on Saturday, improving their overall record to 6-5 and 4-4 within the Southeastern Conference.
Not only did Florida’s win eliminate Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3) from the College Football Playoff consideration, but it also marked their fourth consecutive home victory, boosting the expectations for head coach Billy Napier’s fourth season in Gainesville. The way in which the Gators secured their win is significant, as Napier has emphasized the importance of “finishing” in games — a concept that has largely escaped Florida over the last two years.
In 2023, Florida experienced four losses after leading in the second half, with three occurring during the fourth quarter against Arkansas, Missouri, and Florida State. The Gators also came painfully close to toppling tough opponents like Tennessee and Georgia earlier this season, narrowly losing to the Volunteers in overtime and fading against the Bulldogs after being tied late in the fourth quarter.
Napier maintained hope that these tough experiences would ultimately yield positive outcomes, and they did — marked by late-game victories over both LSU and Mississippi. Receiver Chimere Dike expressed the importance of the recent wins, highlighting the team’s resilience and their performance on the field.
Defensively, Florida managed to contain Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense, limiting them to just three points in the second half. The Rebels struggled offensively, committing two turnovers, including interceptions by Bryce Thornton during their final drives, and failing to convert on two fourth-down attempts.
Napier remarked on the team’s performance, stating, “I thought we were better on both sides up front, and short-yardage defense is a big component. Those are identity plays. I think we had guys step up and make plays.” Defensive tackle Cam Jackson noted the determination of the players: “Everybody just pinned their ears back. That was great.”
This defensive tenacity mirrored their prior performance against then-No. 21 LSU, where the Gators limited the Tigers to just six points in the second half, also forcing a fumble, a punt, and a turnover on downs. Thornton emphasized the collective goal of the team: “We just all came together and wanted to change how Florida was looked at. That’s the biggest thing with us, just trying to show everybody that we can do it.”
In the wake of their victory, the Gators enjoyed demonstrating their basketball skills, with cornerback Trikweze Bridges, receiver Marcus Burke, defensive end Justus Boone, tight end Tony Livingston, and linebacker Shemar James executing impressive dunks. Aidan Mizell showcased his agility by passing a football between his legs mid-air before completing a slam, while fellow receiver Elijhah Badger used the backboard for a bounce before thrilling teammates and fans with his finishing move.
“Belief is the most powerful thing in the world,” Napier stated, affirming that a midseason realization among the team led to a stronger belief in their abilities. “Look, we can play with any team in the country.”