Highlights: Watch the top plays from Florida Gators vs. Tennessee
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Gators won their first 10th straight home game over Tennessee with Saturday’s 29-16 upset. The victory propelled Florida into the Associated Press top-25 poll for the first time since Week 4 of last season.
The Gators finished with more total plays (67-63), first downs (21-17), time of possession (37:34-22:17) and rushing yards (183-106) than the No. 11 Vols, who entered the game with the nation’s No. 4 ground attack.
UF had three total touchdowns from running backs Montrell Johnson Jr. (one catching) and Trevor Etienne, who rushed for a career-high 172 yards. Florida quarterback Graham Mertz completed 79 percent of his passes for 166 yards and had two total TDs.
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns, but he had his first interception in 249 pass attempts and couldn’t move the sticks consistently with his arm. The Gators also sacked him once and had three quarterback hurries.
“We have young players that are playing. And I think as they get more experience, they’ll continue to improve,” UF coach Billy Napier said. “Overall, I know there’s tons of keys to that game, but I want to compliment our players, the response and, ultimately, the leadership from the staff. We’ve got good people. They stuck together. We found a way to win a game.”
Watch the best moments from Florida’s win over Tennessee with this highlight video from UF Athletics
Highlights from Florida-Tennessee
SUBSCRIBE TO THE GATORS ONLINE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Gators Online postgame coverage
‘How sweet it is’: Vols upset validates Billy Napier in must-win game
Field Access: Sideline takeaways from the Florida-Tennessee game
Five thoughts from Florida Gators statement win over Tennessee
Game Balls: Florida Gators players of the game against Tennessee
Rapid Reaction to the Florida Gators 29-16 victory over Tennessee
Graham Mertz, efficient, effective, very good in win over Vols
Everything Billy Napier said after Florida’s win over Tennessee
Florida Gators romp in the Swamp, beat No. 11 Tennessee 29-16
The other side: 5 interesting quotes from the Tennessee Vols (
Grading the Florida Gators against the Tennessee Volunteers
Snap counts and participation reports from Florida-Tennessee
Social Slant: Florida’s win over Tennessee has people buzzing
The other side: 5 interesting quotes from the Tennessee Vols
Live Updates: Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Billy Napier clarifies report on Eugene Wilson’s injury
SIGN UP FOR THE GATORS ONLINE NEWSLETTER AND GET BREAKING NEWS SENT TO YOU FOR FREE