Florida’s upset win over No. 11 Tennessee looked all but put to bed.
The Gators led the Volunteers 29–16 with nine seconds left, facing fourth-and-16. The ingredients seemed in place for Florida to kill the clock and ice a confidence-building rivalry win.
However, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel signaled timeout to force the Gators to run one more play—a questionable idea that nearly became catastrophic.
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz took the snap and began running around before being knocked down by Volunteers defensive lineman Omari Thomas. Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber appeared to push Thomas, and the two teams traded words and appeared ready to throw punches before being separated.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) September 17, 2023
“That is a fitting end to things,” ESPN announcer Chris Fowler said, taking in the scene from above.
The game marked Florida’s 10th consecutive win over Tennessee at home, a streak dating to 2003. Mertz completed 19 of his 25 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in the win.
