Florida spoils Ole Miss' playoff hopes with upset victory in the Swamp

 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Coach Billy Napier and his Florida team achieved something that hadn’t been done in nearly two decades, potentially marking a turning point for a program that has struggled in recent years.

DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a touchdown, and the Gators pulled off a 24-17 upset over No. 9 Mississippi on Saturday, eliminating the Rebels from College Football Playoff contention.

Florida (6-5, 4-4 SEC), which had defeated LSU just a week earlier in the Swamp, won back-to-back games against ranked opponents for the first time since 2008.

"We’re just getting started," said Napier, who is set to return for a fourth season in 2025. "This is part of the big-picture journey. Belief is the most powerful thing in the world."

The win marked Florida's second-largest upset in the past 45 seasons, behind a 2016 victory at No. 16 LSU as 14-point underdogs. It was also the Gators' first victory as double-digit home underdogs in the same span.

Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), entering as 13.5-point favorites, lost for the first time in four games and will almost certainly fall out of the 12-team playoff race. The Rebels, ranked ninth in the latest CFP standings, needed to avoid mistakes against Florida and lowly Mississippi State to secure a playoff spot.

"Obviously a lot was at stake, and we didn’t come through," said Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. "A lot of missed opportunities."

Kiffin’s squad had a difficult day, failing to convert on all three red zone trips, committing three turnovers, and struggling on third down (3-for-14). The team also dropped five passes in perfect weather conditions.

"Very unusual," Kiffin said.

Despite their struggles, Ole Miss had late-game opportunities, but Jaxson Dart threw interceptions to end both of the Rebels' final drives. Both picks were made by Bryce Thornton, who had been beaten for a touchdown earlier in the game. The second interception, with just 17 seconds remaining, sparked a wild celebration from Florida’s defenders in the end zone.

Dart finished the game with 323 yards on 24-of-41 passing, including two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was sacked four times and also led the team in rushing with 71 yards on 14 scrambles.

"You look at the way we played, we had a chip on our shoulder for sure," said Florida defensive tackle Cam Jackson.

Dart, visibly frustrated, apologized for his performance. "I’m sorry. I’m sorry to my teammates. I’m sorry to my coaches. Sorry for the fans," he said. "Can’t lose these games. This one’s going to hurt for a really long time. That’s all I can really say. I’m sorry."

Ole Miss' chances for a comfortable lead were sabotaged by repeated failures inside the red zone. Defensive tackle J.J. Pegues, a 325-pound powerhouse, was stopped twice on fourth-down runs inside the 20-yard line. Kicker Caden Davis also missed a 34-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter.

The Rebels' drops were costly, with at least three potential touchdowns slipping through their fingers.

Florida, in contrast, was more efficient. Lagway completed 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards, with one interception. Several of his throws came under pressure, but they proved to be game-changing plays.

"Those were the plays of the game," said Napier.

Johnson, who had been recovering from injury, delivered a crucial 9-yard touchdown run from the Wildcat formation. "I focused on grinding and trying to work my way back," said Johnson. "Last week I got a couple of carries, and this week I shot to the moon."

This victory over Ole Miss could be a defining moment for Florida’s future, as they look to build momentum for next season.