The Florida Gators defeated the Rebels 24-17 on Saturday, dealing a devastating blow to No. 9 Ole Miss' hopes of making the College Football Playoff.
The Rebels had chances to tie the game late, but quarterback Jackson Dart threw two interceptions in the final two minutes.
For the first interception, Dart went into triple coverage and took a shot into the end zone, but it was picked off by Bryce Thornton with just under two minutes left.
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Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates after defeating the Mississippi Rebels 24-17 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
The Rebels defense used every timeout to force a 3-and-out after the interception, giving Dart and the Rebels another chance to tie the game with just over a minute left.
But Dart didn't take advantage of that. With just under 30 seconds left, Dart brought down his wide receiver, putting Thornton in position to intercept another pass and end the game.
Saturday's loss marked the first time in two seasons that Dart has thrown multiple interceptions in a game.
Florida State quarterback DJ Ragway connected with Elijah Badger for an 8-yard touchdown to take the lead in the first quarter.
Dart responded with a deep shot to star wide receiver Tre Harris and a 43-yard touchdown to tie the score at 7.
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Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jackson Dart runs with the ball during a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field on November 23, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. 2 years old). (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Rebels' quarterback continued his hot streak, scoring a 22-yard touchdown to wide receiver Kayden Lee to give Ole Miss a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.
Now it was the Gators' turn to respond. Ragway completed a screen pass to running back Jaydan Baugh, who completed the rest for a 25-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.
After a field goal in the third quarter to make it 17-17, the Gators' offense worked.
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Running back Montrell Johnson Jr. scored a touchdown from nine yards left, and the score stayed the same, giving the Gators a 24-17 lead.
Johnson Jr. ran for 107 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, and Ragway threw for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the win.
Dart threw for 323 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, and had 71 yards rushing in stoppage time. Lee finished the day with six catches for 94 yards and one touchdown.
DJ Ragway of the Florida Gators warms up before the start of their game against the Mississippi Rebels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
It was the second consecutive game for the Gators to defeat an unranked opponent, and the first time since 2003.
The Gators' win improves them to 6-5 with the win, making them bowl eligible. The Gators will look to continue this form next Saturday when they take on the rival Florida State Seminoles.
With this loss, the Rebels fall to 8-3 and will likely fall out of contention for the College Football Playoff. The Rebels will look to bounce back next Saturday when they take on Mississippi State.
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