Tennessee Wins Thrilling Overtime Match Against Florida
Knoxville, Tenn. (AP) – The No. 8 University of Tennessee Volunteers won a nail-biting 23-17 victory over the Florida Gators on Saturday night in overtime.
Overtime Victory for Tennessee
The Volunteers secured their fifth win of the season, with a 5-1 record (2-1 in the Southeastern Conference), while the Gators dropped to 3-3 (1-2).
Dylan Sampson’s Heroics
Dylan Sampson scored on his third touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run, to seal the win for Tennessee in overtime. The touchdown was set up by a defensive stand that forced the Gators to punt from their end zone.
Close Game
The Gators jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, with Graham Mertz hitting Arlis Boardingham with a 13-yard scoring pass midway through the third quarter. However, Tennessee fought back with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Sampson and a 35-yard field goal by Max Gilbert, tying the game at 10-10.
Injury to Graham Mertz
Gator quarterback Graham Mertz sustained a left leg injury on the play, and DJ Lagway took over for him. Lagway threw an interception that set up the tying touchdown.
Post-Game Analysis
Florida: The Gators will need to regroup and focus on their next game against Kentucky on Saturday.
Tennessee: The Volunteers will need to work on consistency if they hope to be a playoff contender for the remainder of the season. They host Alabama in their next game on Saturday.
Conclusion
The Tennessee Volunteers emerged victorious in a thrilling overtime match against the Florida Gators, thanks to Dylan Sampson’s heroics. The win improves the Volunteers’ record to 5-1, while the Gators fall to 3-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who scored the winning touchdown for Tennessee?
A: Dylan Sampson scored the winning touchdown on a 1-yard run in overtime.
Q: What was the score at the end of the game?
A: Tennessee won 23-17 in overtime.
Q: How did Florida’s quarterback, Graham Mertz, get injured?
A: Mertz sustained a left leg injury on a play in the third quarter, forcing him to leave the game.
Q: Who took over for Graham Mertz?
A: DJ Lagway took over as quarterback for Florida after Mertz’s injury.
