Florida Gators Achieve Stunning Upset Against No. 22 LSU Tigers with First Top 25 Victory of the Season

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17/11/2024 18h06

**Florida Gators Upset No. 22 LSU Tigers for First Top 25 Victory of the Season**

The Florida Gators secured a dramatic victory over the No. 22 LSU Tigers on Saturday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, triumphing 27-16. The game saw freshman quarterback DJ Lagway return from a brief injury hiatus and lead his team to success despite a persistent hamstring issue. Lagway's grit was complemented by an aggressive defensive effort that resulted in seven sacks on LSU's quarterback.

Freshman running back Jadan Baugh delivered the decisive blow with a 55-yard touchdown run in the final minutes, cementing Florida's 11-point lead. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Gators, who had previously lost five consecutive games against ranked opponents. Head coach Billy Napier celebrated his first top 25 victory in 14 months, and it was clear the team had hit its stride, controlling the game for almost the entire contest.

Former Florida players took to social media to express their excitement and support for the Gators. Messages from Teradja Mitchell, Gervon Dexter Sr., Fred Taylor, and others reflected a collective pride and optimism. Mitchell praised Napier, calling him "Billy Badass," while Dexter celebrated the win, posting an exuberant tweet with Gator emojis. Taylor humorously anticipated a joyous next episode of his show "The Pivot."

Jacquez Green commended the coaching performance, and Antonio Valentino enthused over the defense's impressive seven sacks. Shannon Snell succinctly summed up the sentiment with, "Beautiful game Gators. That's how you kick some ass." Other former players, including Jelani Malik and Jay Scarlett, echoed the celebratory tone, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of the victory and the potential of the young players like Baugh.

Chris Doering and Billy Horschel also joined the chorus, appreciating the efforts of the team and the improvements under Napier’s guidance. Horschel, even from as far away as Dubai, tuned in and was thankful for the early morning victory, stressing the importance of continuing the momentum.

This win not only broke a troubling streak for the Gators but revitalized the fan base and brought excitement and hope back to Gainesville. The Florida Gators now look ahead to building on this victory and seeking further success in their upcoming games.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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