Life for Florida after Billy Napier’s firing didn’t get started with a win, but the Gators certainly gave No. 6 Georgia all it could handle.
The Bulldogs survived Florida’s upset bit on Saturday, winning 24-20.
Gunner Stockton finished 20-of-29 for 223 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while wideout Zachariah Branch added 10 catches for 112 yards.
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 166 yards and a score and rushed for 24 yards.
The Gators are now 3-5 on the season and face a major fight just to end up bowl eligible, with looming matchups against Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Florida State. But the silver lining was that Florida gave a national championship contender all it could handle on Saturday, a step in the right direction under interim coach Billy Gonzales:
As for Georgia (7-1), matchups against Mississippi State, Texas, Charlotte and Georgia Tech remain. An SEC title and College Football Playoff berth are very much still on the table, though the Bulldogs continue to cut it close.
Granted, winning away at Florida is never easy, interim head coach or not, and Georgia will take the close calls over losses any day. Their fans would probably prefer some more comfortable wins against inferior opponents.
Florida fans, meanwhile, would be happy with more wins this season, full stop. Time will tell if Gonzales can end the season on a more positive note, but there were positives to build on Saturday.
