Florida football vs FSU report card shows strong grades for the Gators

Florida football played the role of spoiler, knocking rival Florida State out of bowl eligibility with a 40-21 win over the Seminoles at before 90,007 at The Swamp on Saturday, Nov. 29.

The Florida Gators (4-8) snapped a four-game losing to pick up their first win under interim coach Billy Gonzales, who wound up 1-4 after replacing Billy Napier.

Florida State (5-7) suffered its 11th straight road loss. Florida has now won the last two meetings between the state rivals and five of the last seven overall.

Florida will look to bounce back from its worst season since 2013 with a new coach, which could come as soon as Nov. 30. Tulane coach Jon Sumrall has emerged as the frontrunner to become UF's next coach after the Gators dropped themselves out of the running in their pursuit of Lane Kiffin.

Here's how Florida graded out against the rival Seminoles:

Florida football offense: B

After being held scoreless in the first half last week against Tennessee, Florida started fast, jumping to a 10-0 lead with a field goal and touchdown on its first two offensive drives. Running back Jadan Baugh took care of the rest with a monster game, rushing for 266 yards on 38 carries and 2 TDs, the second-highest rushing total in a game in UF history, behind only Emmitt Smith (316 yards vs New Mexico in 1989).

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway had one mistake, an interception in the second quarter, but was solid overall, completing 15 of 24 passes for 168 yards with 3 TDs and 1 interception. Wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant had three catches for 58 yards and 1 TD.

Overall, Florida scored its most points since its 55-0 win over Long Island in Week 1 and its most points against an FBS opponent since beating Kentucky 48-20 on Oct. 19, 2024.

Florida football defense: B

Florida did an effective job bottling up dual threat quarterback Thomas Castellanos, holding him to 240 yards passing, 77 yards rushing and 3 TDs (two passing, 1 rushing). Linebacker Myles Graham set the tone with an early sack as Florida finished with four sacks and seven tackles for loss.

The Gators forced two turnovers on downs and a turnover on a strip sack by safety Bryce Thornton that was recovered by defensive tackle Caleb Banks.

True freshman cornerbacks J'Vari Flowers and Ben Hanks III held up in man coverage for most of the game, with Hanks recording his first career interception to end the game.

Florida football special teams: A

Tommy Doman boomed a 71-yard punt in the third quarter that helped flip field position for the Gators. Trey Smack connected on field goal attempts of 23 and 54 yards, recording his school-record 10th field goal of 50 yards or more in his career. Smack missed an extra point late. Baugh returned a kickoff 29 yards.

Florida football coaching: B

There were some questionable play calls and time out usage at the end of the second quarter, which led to an inability to set up a late field goal with Florida up 17-14. But credit Gonzales for sticking with Baugh throughout the game against FSU's suspect run defense. Gonzales and his staff go out as winners as Florida prepares for a new direction with a new coach.

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1. Read his coverage of the Gators’ national championship basketball season in “CHOMP-IONS!” — a hardcover coffee-table collector’s book from The Sun. Details at Florida.ChampsBook.com

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football grades after beating rival Florida State at The Swamp