TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a commanding performance on Saturday, Montrell Johnson rushed for 99 yards and scored a touchdown, contributing significantly to Florida’s 31-11 victory over Florida State.
Jadan Baugh complemented the ground game with 81 rushing yards, as the Gators amassed a total of 235 yards on the ground. DJ Lagway also shone through the air, throwing two touchdown passes, marking a milestone for coach Billy Napier as he achieved his first win against the Seminoles in three attempts.
The win improved Florida’s record to 7-5, showcasing an impressive finish to the November schedule. After a rocky start at 3-3, the Gators secured victories against ranked teams such as LSU and Ole Miss, in addition to their triumph over Florida State.
On the defensive end, Florida’s players were relentless, limiting the Seminoles to just 79 yards during the first half and allowing a meager 2.5 yards per play.
For Florida State (2-10), Lawrance Toafili capped off their scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Seminoles, they lost all three of their rivalry games this season, including defeats to Miami and Clemson, each by significant margins.
**Key Takeaways**
For Florida, the game was highlighted by a remarkable average of 6.5 yards per carry in the first half, solidifying their first rivalry win against Florida State and concluding a strong three-week stretch, especially given what many consider the toughest schedule in college football this year.
On the other side, Florida State endured a challenging season, recording their first year with double-digit losses since 1974, a significant historical point for the program that predates the arrival of legendary coach Bobby Bowden.
**Looking Ahead**
Florida will conclude its regular season, and fans will anticipate bowl game announcements on December 8. Meanwhile, the regular season has ended for Florida State, marking a tumultuous chapter in their recent history.
