Missouri entered Saturday ranked 25th. The Tigers may not remain anywhere near that low after what they did to eighth-ranked Florida.
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Missouri dominated the Gators 45-17 in Columbia, producing 560 yards of offense and one of the most impressive SEC victories of the weekend.
The game began competitively. Florida and Missouri exchanged field goals in the first quarter, and the Tigers held only a 10-3 advantage midway through the second. Florida answered with a touchdown to tie the game at 10.
From there, Missouri took over.
The Tigers scored 10 points late in the second quarter to lead 20-10 at halftime, added another 10 in the third and eventually stretched the margin to 45-10 before Florida scored a late touchdown.
Running back Jamal Roberts was the star. He carried 24 times for 211 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 8.8 yards per attempt. His spectacular 80-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter removed any remaining doubt about the outcome.
Quarterback Austin Simmons was equally impressive. Simmons completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Cayden Lee caught eight passes for 110 yards, while Donovan Olugbode had six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Missouri averaged an extraordinary 8.5 yards per offensive play.
Florida’s biggest problem was its inability to run the football. Jadan Baugh was limited to only 13 yards on 12 carries. Without a dependable ground game, the Gators were forced to lean heavily on quarterback Aaron Philo.
Philo completed 21 of 34 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. Backup Tramell Jones Jr. added a late 42-yard touchdown pass to TJ Abrams after the outcome had already been decided.
Interestingly, neither team committed a turnover. This wasn’t a game Florida lost because it repeatedly gave Missouri a short field. Missouri simply beat the Gators decisively.
The Tigers were more explosive, more balanced and more productive.
Both teams are now 4-1, but their trajectories suddenly look very different. Florida entered as the nation’s No. 8 team and left Columbia with plenty of questions.
Missouri entered looking for respect.
After beating a top-10 SEC opponent by 28 points, the Tigers should get plenty of it.
Final: Missouri 45, Florida 17
