There was a very real pathway for the Florida Gators to have knocked off Georgia in Jacksonville. Florida had a 4th-quarter lead that slipped away, and the Bulldogs eventually took over in the final five minutes to win.
Despite the spirited effort from Florida, it was a combination of close calls and some straight-up bad luck that ultimately spoiled the upset bid.
Florida falls to Georgia
As it was, the Gators came into the game short-handed at wide receiver as Vernell Brown III and Aidan Mizell were out and Dallas Wilson wound up having to leave in the first half and did not return.
But even with the injuries, Florida had every chance to win this game, but time and time again just couldn't come up with the key play at the right moment.
On Georgia's opening drive the Gators forced 3rd and long, but got cute with a simulated pressure and got caught. The Bulldogs went down to score a TD later in the drive.
After Wilson went out, DJ Lagway had a wide-open Tank Hawkins for a potential TD, but sailed it long.
The ultimate swing moment in the game came when Florida had the lead, had a 4th and 1, and instead of kicking a field goal opted to go for it. Jadan Baugh was stopped short, and Georgia went back down to score a TD.
On Florida's final offensive possession, Lagway had a wide-open J. Michael Sturdivant. But thanks to the turf in Jacksonville that was garbage to the surprise of no one, Sturdivant slipped. As it was, it looked like he made a catch, but replay officials were staring at something different and upheld the incompletion.
Florida had its chances to get a stop and get the ball back, but a costly offside followed by Gunner Stockton making a play with his legs ended that bid.
There are no such things as moral victories for the Florida Gators. This is the 5th straight loss to Georgia, and it drops Florida to 3-5 on the season.
But on the bright side, this was a squad that was missing several key playmakers and looked far more organized than ever before in the Billy Napier Era. Interim coach Billy Gonzales actually showed fire and passion and wasn't afraid to go for the win.
The Gators have Kentucky next week.