By Habari Sports
DALLAS (FWAA) — Florida’s powerful rushing attack and relentless second-half offense earned the Gators the Pop-Tarts Bowl Crazy Good Team of the Week honor following a 52-28 victory over No. 4 Ole Miss on the weekend of September 26.
The Football Writers Association of America’s All-America Committee selected Florida after the Gators rushed for 302 yards and scored touchdowns on their first five second-half possessions before 90,683 fans at The Swamp.
The victory was Florida’s first over a top-five opponent in six years. It improved the Gators to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in SEC play at the conclusion of the game, matching their total number of wins from the entire 2025 season.
Gators Answer Every Ole Miss Challenge
Florida led 17-6 at halftime, but Ole Miss twice pulled within three points during the third quarter.
The Gators answered the first threat with Duke Clark’s 45-yard touchdown run. After the Rebels narrowed the score to 24-21, London Montgomery returned the ensuing kickoff 74 yards, setting up Aaron Philo’s 1-yard touchdown run.
Florida’s defense then delivered a pivotal takeaway. Jayden Woods sacked Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and forced a fumble, which Myles Graham recovered.
The Gators converted the recovery into another touchdown, extending their lead to 38-21. When Ole Miss later cut the deficit to 10 points, Florida responded with another touchdown drive.
By the finish, Florida had accumulated 498 yards of offense and scored 35 second-half points.
Baugh and Clark Power the Ground Attack
Jadan Baugh led Florida with 142 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. Clark added 126 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts.
They became Florida’s first pair of 100-yard rushers in the same game since 2022.
Philo completed 16 of 23 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing score.
| Florida offensive performance | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 52 |
| Total offense | 498 yards |
| Rushing yards | 302 |
| Jadan Baugh rushing | 142 yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Duke Clark rushing | 126 yards, 1 touchdown |
| Aaron Philo passing | 16-of-23, 142 yards, 1 touchdown |
Florida Receives Its Seventh FWAA Team Honor
The recognition marks Florida’s seventh FWAA National Team of the Week award and its first since defeating No. 7 Utah 29-26 on September 3, 2022.
The Gators previously earned the honor after a 38-10 victory over Ole Miss in 2015, along with wins over Georgia in 2014 and at LSU in 2009.
Against Ole Miss on September 26, Florida combined two 100-yard rushing performances, a long kickoff return and a timely defensive takeaway to turn a competitive third quarter into a decisive victory.
About the Weekly Award
The FWAA has recognized a National Team of the Week since the 2002 season. Its All-America Committee evaluates candidates with supporting data analysis from the Iron Football app.
Each honored team receives assorted Pop-Tarts and a custom-crafted game ball from Dallas-based Big Game USA.
Source: Supplied by the Football Writers Association of America release recognizing games played on the weekend of September 26, 2026. Records and rankings reflect that game.
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