The Missouri Tigers beat No. 8 Florida 45-17 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, with Jamal Roberts running for 211 yards and three touchdowns on just 24 carries. The No. 25 Tigers outgained the Gators 560-325 and improved to 4-1.
The Tigers broke the game open in the second quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points after Florida briefly tied it at 10, then salted it away in the fourth with a two-point conversion and an 80-yard Roberts touchdown run that pushed the lead to 35 points. Florida’s Aaron Philo threw for 197 yards and a touchdown, but the Gators managed only 42 rushing yards on 25 carries and finished 6-of-16 on third down.
Takeaways from Missouri’s win over Florida
Jamal Roberts ran through Florida’s front all afternoon
Roberts averaged 8.8 yards per carry and scored on runs of 5, 1 and 80 yards. Missouri finished with 220 rushing yards on 36 attempts for a 6.1-yard average, compared to Florida’s 1.7 yards per carry on 25 attempts.
Austin Simmons was nearly flawless through the air
Simmons completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, connecting with Donovan Olugbode for a 47-yard score and Caleb Goodie Sr. for a 31-yard touchdown, both in the second quarter. Cayden Lee led all receivers with eight catches for 110 yards.
Florida’s defense couldn’t get off the field on third down
The Gators allowed Missouri to convert 7 of 13 third downs while their own offense went 6-of-16, and Missouri held the ball for 31:40 compared to Florida’s 28:20. That time-of-possession edge let the Tigers control tempo after their early 10-10 tie.
Player of the game: Jamal Roberts
Roberts finished 24 carries for 211 yards and three touchdowns, adding three catches for 29 yards. His 80-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter was the longest play of the game and put the result out of reach.
Missouri vs. Florida by the numbers
Missouri outgained Florida 560 yards to 325, led by 220 rushing yards to 42. Austin Simmons completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and averaged 11.3 yards per attempt, while Aaron Philo went 26-of-39 for 283 yards at 7.3 yards per attempt. Missouri had seven third-down conversions on 13 attempts; Florida went 6-of-16. Missouri held the ball for 31 minutes 40 seconds to Florida’s 28:20.
What’s next
Missouri hosts Alabama next, while Florida travels to Texas A&M the following week, both in SEC play.
Check Week 5 college football results and analysis for more on ranked teams’ performances.
Official statistics: ESPN (official league data).
