Gators Tumble in AP Top 25 After Loss to Georgia

Florida dropped eight spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll following a 27-8 loss to Georgia on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Florida now sits at the bottom of the poll at No. 25. Georgia is now No. 2 in the rankings, moving up one spot from No. 3.

The Gators (5-3, 3-3 SEC) entered the annual rivalry matchup ranked No. 17 but struggled to find their footing against the Bulldogs, committing four turnovers in the loss. The defeat marked Florida’s third loss of the season, after having back-to-back losses against Missouri and South Carolina on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.

Florida had an opportunity to build on its momentum after upsetting then-No. 7 Texas 27-24 on Oct. 17 after heading into the bye week. Instead, the Gators were unable to carry that performance into the rivalry, falling behind 24-0 before halftime.

“I’m freaking not okay with today,” Sumrall said. “I’m not going to whine and complain. We’ve got to get better. And so, sick over it.”

Starting quarterback Aaron Philo threw two interceptions in the first half before he was  replaced by Tramell Jones Jr, who also struggled, fumbling late in the second quarter. Georgia’s Chris Cole recovered the ball and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 24-0.

Florida’s offense finished with 252 total yards, including just 54 rushing yards. Running back Jadan Baugh recorded 38 yards on 17 carries as the Gators struggled to establish their ground game.

The loss also extended Georgia’s winning streak in the rivalry to six games, marking its longest stretch of consecutive victories over Florida since 1978-83.

Florida will look to regroup in its next game against Oklahoma on Saturday.

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Football