The Florida Gators dropped a 45-35 contest to rival LSU in one of the most embarrassing defensive efforts in program history.
The loss drops the Gators to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in SEC play while LSU improved to 5-2 (3-1 SEC).
So, let’s just get into it. The following are my grades for Florida’s loss to LSU:
Offense: B-
Things started out really well. A 47-yard return by Trevor Etienne on the opening kickoff followed by a 51 yard score by Justin Shorter got the crowd in a frenzy. The Gators also took advantage of the short field after a muffed punt by LSU to take a 21-14 lead in the second quarter. QB Anthony Richardson’s fourth quarter, 81-yard run was the highlight of Florida’s come back bid that ultimately fell just short.
In all, the Florida offense rushed for 210 yards and accumulated 395 yards of total offense. Richardson finished the game 15-25 for 185 yards and no turnovers.
Defense: F
LSU only had eight possessions all night. That’s largely thanks to the inability of Florida to get off the field on third and fourth down. The Tigers went 8-12 on third down and 2-2 on fourth down. The results of those eight drives: six touchdowns, a field goal, and one punt.
The Gators allowed LSU QB Jaden Daniels to look like a Heisman candidate, completing 23-32 for 349 yards and accounting for six touchdowns. LSU finished with 528 yards of total offense and ran 72 plays compared to Florida’s 61.
Special Teams: A
A 47-yard return to open the game, a 62-yard punt, a muffed punt recovery, and 5-5 on extra point attempts makes for a solid day from Florida’s special teams.