Florida Routs No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28 for Best Start Since 2019

Florida improved to 4-0 with a 52-28 upset of No. 4 Ole Miss, combining 302 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns with two turnovers forced and a scoreless first half by the Rebels. Jadan Baugh ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns, while Duke Clark added 126 yards and a score; the Gators also made major contributions on special teams. First-year coach Jon Sumrall praised his players’ belief and effort but said the team still has room to improve. He said Florida came to win championships and sees no reason to delay those expectations, while crediting the staff and players for the breakthrough performance.
Florida recorded 498 yards of total offense and eight total scores. Its special-teams unit added 264 return yards on six returns and accounted for 10 points through field goals and extra points.
Sumrall said linebacker Bailey took a significant hit to his back on a targeting play, but it did not appear likely to keep him out long term. He also reported that VBIII had a minor knee tweak, with nothing torn.
The game marked the first time since Sept. 10, 2022, that Florida and its opponent were both ranked in the Top 25 for a matchup at the Swamp.
The victory put Florida off to its best start since 2019, when the Gators opened 6-0 and finished 11-2 with an Orange Bowl win and a No. 6 final AP ranking. Georgia and Texas were among the team’s upcoming opponents over the following month.
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