The Gators pulled off the miraculous comeback. (Getty)
Final Score
Tennessee Volunteers 7-10-3-7 — 27
Florida Gators 7-0-7-14 — 28
Final Score
Tennessee led 27-14 late into the fourth quarter and it appeared Vols fans would finally see the losing streak against Florida end. The Gators would score back to back touchdowns to take the improbable lead with just over a minute remaining.
The last touchdown occurred on a fourth-and-long play that gave the Gators the 28-27 lead with 1:25 left in the game. The Vols were able to move the ball down the field and got into field goal range with 12 seconds remaining. They left 10 seconds run off the clock before being penalized for an illegal substitution with three seconds left.
Tennessee had to use their final timeout to avoid a 10-second runoff that would have ended the game. The penalty made it a 55-yard field goal. Florida coach Jim McElwain called a timeout but the kick had already been attempted before the referee could stop the play. The field goal missed badly but it did not count due to the timeout.
The second attempt barely missed wide-right and the Gators pulled out the comeback victory. Tennessee was firmly in control for most of the game. This marks the second big game the Volunteers have had a double digit victory and given up the lead to lose the game. They lost to Oklahoma in similar fashion two weeks ago. Florida has now won 11 straight games against Tennessee.
Here are the highlights from the Gators improbable victory:
Kelvin Taylor Scored the First Touchdown
Kelvin Taylor has four carries for 59 yards and a TD through two drives for Florida.
After both teams traded unsuccessful drives, Taylor ran the ball into the endzone for the Gators. The touchdown gave Florida the early 7-0 lead.
A Little Trickery Got Tennessee on the Scoreboard
Joshua Dobbs threw a screen pass to his receiver. The receiver then passed it back to Dobbs, and he ran for a 58-yard touchdown. The play tied the game up 7-7 late in the first quarter.
A Jump Pass Helped the Vols Take the Lead
Tennessee just threw the Tebow jump pass against Florida.
What a time to be alive. http://t.co/o0AwJKvDyY
It was 4th and two as Tennessee found itself at midfield. The Vols went for it and made the conversion on a running back jump pass. The play would set up a long run by Dobbs who appeared to fumble the ball before stepping out but he was ruled out of bounds.
Tennessee then punched in the short touchdown to take the lead 14-7 in the second quarter. Yes, you read that all correctly. Tennessee went for a jump pass against the Gators, a play Tim Tebow made famous.
Joshua Dobbs Was the Story of the First Half
Joshua Dobbs of @Vol_Football: first player in last 10 years with 50 receiving yards, 100 rushing yards and five passes in one game
The Vols took a 17-7 lead into halftime. The story of the half was quarterback Josh Dobbs. Dobbs had 58 passing yards, 107 rushing yards and 58 reception yards. He threw a passing touchdown and also had a receiving touchdown of his own.
Taylor Scored His Second Touchdown
Touchdown Taylor!
Florida 14 UT 20 http://t.co/KDXOLtciKo
Early in the third quarter, the Gators recovered a fumble. They ran it back for a touchdown, but they were ruled down at the spot of the fumble. However, Florida was still able to capitalize on the turnover.
The Gators marched down the field and Taylor rushed for his second touchdown of the game.
Jalen Hurd Found the Endzone Late in the 4th Quarter
Touchdown Tennessee! Jalen Hurd drives 10 yards to the end zone, and the Vols’ lead on Florida grows to 27–14
Despite Florida cutting Tennessee’s lead, the Vols responded with a late touchdown from running back Jalen Hurd. Hurd rushed for the 10-yard touchdown. Earlier in the drive, Tennessee had an amazing tipped touchdown reception that was called back due to a penalty.
Florida Cut the Lead to 6 Points
Touchdown Florida! Will Grier hits Brandon Powell and the Gators trail the Vols by 6 with 4:09 left
A late Gators touchdown made it 27-21. The Vols had the six point lead with four minutes left in the game.
The Gators Took the Lead on a Long Touchdown Pass
Will Grier found Calloway at the middle of the field. Calloway avoided a defender and outran the rest of the Volunteers defense. The touchdown gave the Gators the 28-27 lead with 1:25 left to play in the game.
Oh my, 4th and 14. Grier to Calloway for long touchdown and #Gators take the lead with 1:26 left. Rocky Top just hit Rocky Bottom.
The Vols Missed a Game Winning 55-Yard Field Goal
Tennessee was penalized for illegal substitution which would have ended the game but the Vols used their final timeout with three seconds left to avoid a 10-second runoff.
Tennessee badly missed the initial field goal, but Florida head coach Jim McElwain called a timeout so the field goal did not count. The second attempt missed just barely wide right.
So….so close. http://t.co/jfF5laMcIl
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Tennessee vs. Florida: Score, Stats & Highlights