Ugly ending leads to fight in Florida vs Tennessee

Saturday night was a big night for Florida and Billy Napier. The Gators, two weeks removed from a loss to Utah, faced a major opportunity when No. 11 Tennessee came to Gainesville with its high-powered offense in tow.

UF dominated the first half, and that carried over into the second half as the Gators pulled off the 29-16 upset. However, the final seconds of the game saw a fight break out after Josh Heupel called his final timeout. Frustrations were running high, and officials had to break up the Florida and Tennessee players.

It was an ugly ending to a big night for the Gators.

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— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) September 17, 2023

How Florida pulled off a big victory over Tennessee and extended a notable winning streak

It was all Florida in the first half as the Gators took a 26-7 lead into the locker room. Tennessee battled back in the second half, though, as the Vols tried to keep pace. Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough as UF held on for a double-digit victory to once again beat Tennessee at The Swamp.

The victory extends a streak going back to 2005. The last time the Vols won in Gainesville was in 2003, meaning Florida entered Saturday night with nine straight wins over the Volunteers on its home turf. The Gators added another one in a big way.

Graham Mertz and the offense looked strong throughout the night. His numbers weren’t eye-popping, necessarily — completing 19 of 24 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown — but he did a good job managing the game. He also played some of the second half with an injured non-throwing hand, ESPN’s Holly Rowe reported, and was wearing a glove. That might have impacted his ability to throw.

Luckily, Florida’s running game was firing on all cylinders. Trevor Etienne led that charge as he totaled 172 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He and Montrell Johnson combined for 195 rushing yards.

As for Tennessee, Joe Milton looked shaky in his third game as the starter. He completed 20 of 34 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw an interception. The Florida defense went to work, ramping up the pressure on Milton and notching a sack, as well.

Next up for the Gators is a non-conference break next week against Charlotte at home as they look for their third win of the season. As for Tennessee, the Vols will return home to Knoxville as UTSA comes to Rocky Top.