Oklahoma Beats Florida 23-7, Ending Gators’ Playoff Hopes

Florida’s losing stretch continued on November 7 as Oklahoma won 23-7 in Gainesville. The defeat came after the Gators began the season 4-0 and followed a blowout loss to Georgia the previous week. Florida scored seven points, its fewest in a game since the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl, and was eliminated from College Football Playoff contention.

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer passed for 207 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The Sooners took an early lead with a field goal and a short touchdown pass to former Florida player Hayden Hansen, then stayed ahead. Oklahoma recorded 20 first downs and converted 10 of 18 third-down attempts; Florida had nine first downs.

Florida started Tramell Jones Jr. at quarterback. Jones went 10-for-22 for 133 yards, throwing two interceptions and no touchdown passes. The Gators managed 200 total yards and punted five times. Running back Jadan Baugh had 35 yards on eight carries, though his 14 rushing touchdowns this season tied him for second in program history.

Florida had a chance to narrow the score in the third quarter, trailing 13-7, but Jones threw an end-zone interception on fourth down. Oklahoma later put together a 20-play, 89-yard drive that lasted 12 minutes and 45 seconds and ended with Mateer’s touchdown pass to Isaiah Sategna III. A field goal made it 23-7, and Jones threw another interception to end Florida’s final effort.

Florida, now 5-4 overall and 3-4 in the SEC, travels to No. 6 Kentucky next week.