Photo Credit: WURF
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The Florida Gators delivered one of their biggest wins in recent years Saturday afternoon. No. 21 Florida dominated No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28 inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators improved to 4-0 with the victory. They also moved to 2-0 in SEC play. Florida entered the matchup facing one of its toughest tests. Ole Miss arrived with a 3-0 record and a top four ranking. The Rebels also carried plenty of momentum after beating LSU the previous week. Instead, Florida controlled the game from the opening minutes. Jadan Baugh once again led the way for the Gators. The junior running back rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns. Duke Clark also topped 100 rushing yards with 126 yards and one touchdown. That combination created problems for Ole Miss throughout the afternoon.
Florida Strikes First
The Gators wasted little time establishing their identity. Florida jumped ahead 10-0 before Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss even attempted a pass. That early advantage allowed the Gators to dictate the game’s pace. Baugh continued his outstanding start to the season. His physical running style repeatedly gave Florida favorable down-and-distance situations. Clark provided another explosive option behind him. The Gators finished with 302 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. That production kept Ole Miss from consistently applying pressure on Aaron Philo. Meanwhile, Philo delivered another strong performance at quarterback. He finished with 275 passing yards and three touchdown passes. He also threw one interception. Florida’s passing game complemented its dominant rushing attack.
Ole Miss Finds Some Life
The Rebels did not go quietly. Chambliss entered the game as one of college football’s most talked-about quarterbacks. He had already produced a huge performance against LSU. He showed his playmaking ability again against Florida. Chambliss finished with 336 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. However, his production could not keep pace with Florida’s rushing attack. Ole Miss also found ways to move the football through the air. Deuce Alexander entered the matchup as one of the Rebels’ biggest receiving threats. Florida still managed to limit the overall impact of the Ole Miss offense. The Rebels entered halftime trailing 17-6. That score gave Ole Miss a chance to make things interesting after the break. That opportunity disappeared quickly.
Gators Explode After Halftime
Ole Miss opened the second half with a touchdown. The Rebels cut Florida’s advantage to 17-14 and suddenly had momentum. Florida responded in emphatic fashion. The Gators scored touchdowns on five consecutive second-half possessions. That stretch turned a competitive game into a runaway victory. Clark delivered one of the game’s biggest plays during that stretch. His running ability continued to punish the Ole Miss defense. Baugh then added another touchdown as Florida kept extending its advantage. Philo also connected with Dallas Wilson for a touchdown. That play helped Florida maintain its double-digit lead. The Gators refused to slow down.
Baugh Delivers the Finishing Blow
Florida saved one of its biggest plays for the closing minutes. With 4:35 remaining, Philo connected with Eric Singleton Jr. on a 37-yard completion. The reception moved Florida to the Ole Miss 2-yard line. Baugh finished the drive with his third rushing touchdown. That score pushed Florida’s led to 52-21. It also gave Baugh 11 rushing touchdowns for the season. Ole Miss added another touchdown late. However, the outcome had already been decided. Florida had turned a 17-14 game into a 52-28 statement win.
A Major Moment for Florida
The victory carried plenty of significance for the Gators. Florida reached 4-0 for the first time since 2019. The Gators also secured their first victory over a top five opponent since beating No. 5 LSU in 2018. The win also marked head coach Jon Sumrall’s first victory over a top five opponent at Florida. The Gators now own two SEC victories this season. Florida’s offense deserves most of the attention after this performance. Baugh and Clark combined for 268 rushing yards. They also scored four touchdowns. That production allowed Florida to control the game without relying solely on Philo’s arm. Philo still made several important throws when Florida needed them. The Gators also received another strong performance from their receiving group. Dallas Wilson and Eric Singleton Jr. provided important explosive plays.
Florida Makes a Statement
This was more than another win for Florida. The Gators entered the season under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall. They now sit at 4-0 after defeating a ranked Auburn team on the road. They followed that victory by overwhelming a top five Ole Miss team at home. Florida still has plenty of football ahead. However, Saturday showed how dangerous this offense can become when the running game controls the matchup. Baugh remains the centerpiece. Clark gives Florida another dynamic runner. Philo continues to make plays through the air. Together, those pieces helped the Gators produce one of their biggest wins in years. The Swamp wanted a statement Saturday. Florida delivered one.
The Florida Gators had a huge statement win over Ole Miss and it also might show that they are back.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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