The losing streak is over. No. 11 Tennessee beat No. 20 Florida 38-33 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the Volunteers defeating the Gators for the first time since 2016 and second time since 2004. Though Tennessee led by as many as 17 points, Florida battled back late with a touchdown in the game’s final minute and recovered an onside kick for a last-gasp effort with 16 seconds remaining before ultimately falling short.
Hendon Hooker took advantage of a porous Florida secondary in the second half to pass for 340 yards in the game, the most by a Vols quarterback against the Gators since 1997. Hooker’s magnificent game also included 112 yards rushing and and three total touchdowns (one rushing). It was the kind of performance that will gain a lot more Heisman Trophy hype for the Vols signal caller — and deservedly so.
Though it was in a losing effort, Florida QB Anthony Richardson righted himself after a couple rough weeks with a career passing performance. Richardson threw for a career-high 453 yards and two touchdowns, running for 62 more yards and another two scores. His lone disaster play was a fumble in the red zone late in the second half, though he was also hit on a Hail Mary in the final play of the game that resulted in an interception.
The Gators have dominated the series against Tennessee in recent years 💪🐊
Will No. 11 Tennessee take down No. 20 Florida this weekend? pic.twitter.com/AyEubwDpnf
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 24, 2022
The Streak Hath Been Stopped.
No. 11 Tennessee holds off No. 20 Florida in 38-33 thriller that shouldn’t have been that close.#Vols won’t complain, though. Any win in this series is a huge win.https://t.co/Akr279HbVZ pic.twitter.com/C3uPfU5Sdp
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) September 24, 2022