Samford breaks embarrassing SEC record vs. Florida

When Samford kicked a field goal against Florida with just under 12 minutes to play in Gainesville, the Bulldogs made history. 

The former 31-point underdog fell 70-52 to the Gators, but the Bulldog’s point total was the most points an FCS team has ever scored against an SEC opponent. The previous record was 51.

Florida had shut out their last two FCS opponents in Tennessee-Martin and Towson.

Samford had 530 yards of total offense and 28 first downs. After posting 21 points in each of the first two quarters, they were shut out in the third quarter before mounting an attempted comeback to start the final quarter.

Quarterback Liam Welch had a day to remember. He was 33-for-52 with 400 yards and three touchdowns. Saturday was Welch’s sixth game this season with more than 300 passing yards.

Welch has had an issue with interceptions, as he had 13 on the year entering Saturday’s game. He added a 14th against Florida.

In addition to Welch, wideout Montrell Washington was the offensive star for Samford. He had three scores: a 1-yard touchdown run, a 23-yard touchdown catch and a 98-yard kickoff returned for a touchdown. He finished with 10 receptions for 124 yards.

Samford’s only SEC win came in 1934, per Matt Brown of The Athletic. The victory game before the school had its current name; it was called Howard College at the time.

The Bulldogs fell to 3-6 on the season as a result of the loss. They have one remaining game against Furman on Nov. 20.

Florida offense clicking again

A silver lining for Florida: their offense looked like its old self. Quarterback Emory Jones was 28-for-34 with 464 yards and six touchdowns. Florida had 253 yards on the ground as well, with Jones’ 10 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown leading the way for the Gators.

Had Florida dropped this game, they would have fallen to 4-6 and needed to win their two remaining games to reach bowl eligibility. Now they just need to win at Missouri or against Florida State to notch a sixth win. They are back to .500 on the season at 5-5, but they have lost eight of their last 10 games to Power Five opponents.

Mullen’s future in Gainesville is in question, and the next two games will be critical to decision making for Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin. Mullen’s buyout is currently $12 million.