GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Once among college football greatest rivalries, the latest Florida-Florida State game was a comedy of errors.
A pair of 5-6 teams played down to their level of competition much of the day before the Gators came alive and pulled away for a 24-21 win Saturday in the Swamp.
“We didn’t give up, kept fighting the whole time,” veteran defender Zachary Carter said. “We really played together as a team — and that’s the biggest thing.”
The Gators’ first Power 5 win since Oct. 9 against Vanderbilt was flawed in every way imaginable — and inconceivable.
FSU kicker Ryan Fitzgerald’s failed onside kick in the final minute was a new one to Florida interim coach Greg Knox, a veteran of 27 SEC seasons stepping in for Dan Mullen, who was fired six days earlier. Fitzgerald barely grazed the ball and failed to advance it, sealing the Gators’ third straight win against the Seminoles.
“I’ve never seen that before in my life,” Knox said. “I’m thankful for it, but I’ve never seen that before in my life. That was a big one.”
Segments of a game that dragged on for 3:53 were equally hard to fathom and borderline unwatchable. The teams combined for six turnovers and 22 penalties for 196 yards; the totals that could have been worse given only one of six fumbles was lost and several flags were offset.
Yet, a sold-out Swamp cheered on their Gators on Senior Day.
“Gator Nation showed up,” Knox said.
For the first time this month, backup quarterback Anthony Richardson did, too.
A second-half switch to Richardson, who was dinged on a first-half run, and tailback Dameon Pierce’s relentless style ignited the Gators and an announced crowd of 88,491. Behind a makeshift coaching staff led by Knox, Florida is now eligible for a bowl game while Mike Norvell completed his second losing season at Florida State.
“They were excited about winning this game, a rivalry game, and they knew that it meant going to a bowl game,” Knox said. “That senior class wanted it.”
The Gators (6-6) led by 17 points to prevail as Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis single-handedly attempted to rally the Seminoles (5-7).
A 5-yard scoring toss from Richardson and Justin Shorter in the back of the end zone pushed the Gators’ advantage to 17-7 late in the third quarter and was a rare feat of flawless execution during a sloppy game.
“He brought a lot of energy to it,” Knox said of Richardson.
First-year freshman Jason Marshall’s interception of Travis two plays later was the day’s sixth turnover and opened the door for Pierce and the Gators’ run attack to ice the game.
Playing his final home game at Florida, Pierce ripped off 38 yards on four carries following by a 17-yard gain by Richardson to the FSU 13-yard line. On the next play, Pierce ran over two defenders to reach the end zone despite losing his helmet, but was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness since he was helmetless.
“My mama been calling me hardheaded since I was little, so that ain’t nothing new,” Pierce joked. “That was just basic instinct.”
Pierce went to the sideline, regrouped and returned to score on fourth-and-3 to give the Gators a 24-7 lead and the senior his 15th touchdown this season — most by a Gator since Percy Harvin’s 17 in 2008 and one more than Tim Tebow’s 14 in 2009.
“To have my name in the same breath with them is an honor,” Pierce said
Travis might not be confused with Charlie Ward or Jameis Winston, but the redshirt sophomore put on a one-man show. Travis led 71-yard drive highlighted by his 34-yard run and capped by a 19-yard scamper by Treshaun Ward to cut the deficit to 24-14. An 8-yard touchdown pass from Travis to Ontaria Wilson with 44 seconds to go finished a 16-play, 92-yard drive, but that was too little too late.
“He’s a playmaker,” Knox said.
Travis exited during the first quarter with a right shoulder injury suffered during a sack by Brenton Cox Jr., who had four on a career day for the redshirt junior.
“Brenton is the truth,” Carter said. “He’s been battling some things all year, but that boy showed up.”
McKenzie Milton and Tate Rodemaker each took snaps in Travis’ stead. But he returned to finish 18-of-29 passing for 202 yards, with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.
Meanwhile, Florida starter Emory Jones ended a disappointing regular season with his worst performance. Jones and Gators came out playing with purpose and energy. Their third-down conversion of opening drive ended with 47-yard touchdown TD from Jones to Kemore Gamble.
But two interceptions in FSU territory, including one in the end zone, ultimately led coaches to bench Jones. He finished with 16 of 24 for 163 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions, giving him an SEC-leading 13.
Richardson had played just one series in mop-up duty since suffering a concussion during an Oct. 30 loss to Georgia. But redshirt freshman was ready when called. He finished 5 of 7 for 55 yards and rushed for 27 yards on 11 carries.
A new coaching staff soon will be place, but many wonder whether Richardson will be in 2022 following a frustrating season.
Asked twice what his future held, the 19-year-old did not hesitate: “I’m a Gator.”
On this day, that was the right side to be on.
