Florida Dominates FSU for First Win at Doak in Six Years, Secures Winning Season
TALLAHASSEE — For the first time in six years, Florida football left Doak Campbell Stadium victorious.
The Gators (7-5, 4-4 SEC) defeated the struggling Florida State Seminoles (2-10, 1-7 ACC) with a commanding 31-11 win on Saturday night.
Despite entering as heavy favorites, Florida started slow on offense. The momentum shifted when UF’s defense forced and recovered the first of five fumbles. Just two plays later, Ja’Kobi Jackson’s touchdown gave the Gators a 7-0 lead, one they held for the rest of the game.
Late in the second quarter, quarterback DJ Lagway connected on a deep pass to Chimere Dike, setting up a short touchdown throw to Marcus Burke for a 14-0 lead at halftime.
FSU managed a field goal early in the third quarter, but Florida responded with one of its own. The Seminoles threatened to make it a one-possession game, but a crucial fumble inside the UF 5-yard line turned the tide. Moments later, Montrell Johnson broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 24-3.
In the fourth quarter, both teams traded touchdowns, including Tony Livingston's first career score for Florida.
The victory marks Billy Napier's first win over Florida’s in-state rival and the Gators' first triumph over FSU since 2021. More importantly, it guarantees Florida’s first winning season since 2020. The Gators will learn their bowl destination next Sunday.