Florida’s Fourth-Down Gamble Ends in Oklahoma Interception

Florida coach Jon Sumrall said he chose to go for a touchdown rather than kick a field goal while the Gators trailed Oklahoma 13-7 in the third quarter. With 6:22 left in the period, Florida faced fourth-and-three at the Sooners’ 17-yard line. The pass was intercepted, stopping the Gators’ most promising opportunity to get back into the game.

Sumrall said he expected Florida would need at least 14 points to win and was unsure how many more times the offense would reach the red zone. He said the decision matched the fourth-down guidance used by the team. Sumrall also suggested there may have been contact on receiver Eric Singleton during the play, while acknowledging he had not seen it clearly.

Oklahoma outgained Florida 351 yards to 203 and held the ball for 37 minutes and 50 seconds, compared with Florida’s 22:10. Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. threw for 133 yards, and running back Jadan Baugh gained 35 yards on eight carries. After the interception, Florida’s defense forced a three-and-out, but the offense responded with one of its own.

Oklahoma then put together a 20-play touchdown drive that lasted nearly 13 minutes, extending its lead and wearing down Florida’s defense. Sumrall said the offense had not played well enough to give the team a chance to win. The loss ended Florida’s slim College Football Playoff hopes. At 5-4, the Gators can still finish 8-4, with games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Florida State remaining.