Dylan Sampson has 1-yard TD run in OT to lift No. 8 Tennessee past Florida, 23-17
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) tries to escape the grasp of Florida edge Kamran James (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Wade Payne
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dylan Sampson scored on his third touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run in overtime to give No. 8 Tennessee a 23-17 victory over Florida on Saturday night.
The Volunteers (5-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) went to overtime for only the second time. The first was in 1998 when they won the national title.
Trey Smack missed a 47-yard field goal try for Florida (3-3, 1-2) on the first overtime possession.
The Gators tied it with 29 seconds left on DJ Lagway's 27-yard touchdown pass to Chimere Dike. After lining up for a 2-point conversion, Tennessee called a timeout and Florida kicked the extra point.
Sampson, who rushed for 112 yards, ran 23 yards for a go-ahead, fourth-quarter touchdown. The touchdown was set up by a defensive stand that forced the Gators to punt from their end zone.
Florida jumped out to a 10-0 lead, with Graham Mertz hitting Arlis Boardingham with a 13-yard scoring pass midway through the third quarter. On the play, Mertz's foot caught in the turf and he sustained a left leg injury.
Sampson then had a 6-yard scoring, and Lagway, who took over for Mertz, threw an interception that set up Max Gilbert's tying, 35-yard field goal.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) is tackled by Florida linebacker Jaden Robinson (29) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Wade Payne
THE TAKEAWAY
Florida: With Georgia, Texas, LSU and Ole Miss still on the schedule, the Gators will have to get things in order in a hurry. Bright glimmers from wins over Mississippi State and UCF were parlayed into a gritty performance against the Vols.
Tennessee: A lot of the problems that cropped up in the loss to Arkansas were evident again. With Alabama visiting next week, the Vols have a long way to go to make things right. If Tennessee is going to be a playoff contender the rest of the season, it needs to show consistency in its performance.
UP NEXT
Florida defensive back Sharif Denson (0) returns an interception as he's chased by Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Wade Payne
Florida: Hosts Kentucky on Saturday.
Tennessee: Hosts Alabama on Saurday.
