Missouri Pulls Off Major Upset, Toppling No. 5 Florida At Home

As the clock ticked down to zero and the Missouri Tigers held on for an improbable 24-23 victory over the No. 5 Florida Gators, the Tigers’ sideline erupted in a frenzy of celebration while the stunned crowd at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium sat in disbelief.

A David vs. Goliath Story

The upset was a David vs. Goliath tale of epic proportions. Missouri, an unranked team with a 5-5 record, had never beaten a top-five opponent on the road. Florida, on the other hand, was 8-1 and had won 14 straight home games.

The Tigers’ victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They trailed by 13 points in the third quarter, but rallied with two touchdowns to take a 24-13 lead. Florida scored a late touchdown to cut the deficit to one point, but Missouri’s defense held strong on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt to secure the win.

Key Plays and Performances

Several key plays and performances contributed to Missouri’s upset:

– Bradyn Swiger’s interception: The sophomore linebacker intercepted a pass from Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining to seal the victory.
– Dominic Lovett’s touchdown catch: The junior wide receiver caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brady Cook in the third quarter to give Missouri its first lead of the game.
– Luther Burden’s explosive plays: The sophomore wide receiver had seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, providing a consistent threat for Missouri’s offense.

Florida’s Frustrating Loss

For Florida, the loss was a major setback in their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. The Gators committed several mistakes, including seven penalties, that ultimately cost them the game. The defense struggled to contain Missouri’s offense, especially in the second half.

Head coach Billy Napier expressed his disappointment after the game, saying, “We didn’t play well enough to win. We made too many mental errors and didn’t execute our game plan consistently.”

Impact on College Football Playoff Race

Missouri’s upset has significant implications for the College Football Playoff race. Florida’s loss opens up the door for other teams in the SEC East, such as Georgia and Tennessee, to challenge for the conference title. It also boosts Missouri’s chances of reaching a bowl game and potentially making a run at the New Year’s Six.

Conclusion

Missouri’s 24-23 upset over Florida was a storybook moment for the Tigers and a bitter disappointment for the Gators. The victory is a testament to Missouri’s resilience and determination, while Florida’s loss is a reminder that even the best teams can be vulnerable on any given day. The upset has major implications for the College Football Playoff race and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most memorable games of the 2022 season.