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Florida holds on for wild, 24-20 win over Miami

Defense dominates the day, but Gators get the final say
Credit: AP
Miami quarterback Jarren Williams (15) tries to scramble before he is sacked by Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard, left, defensive lineman Adam Shuler, center, and defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Wild? That's an understatement.

Six lead changes, five turnovers, and 60 heart-stopping minutes later, the Gators won the latest installment in the Florida-Miami rivalry, the first meeting since 2013. 

The Gators opened up the week as 7-point favorites and appeared equally as confident in the first quarter, opening to a 7-3 lead thanks to a 66-yard touchdown by Kadarius Toney. 

However, as the second quarter began, so, too, did the turnovers. Feleipe Franks and Malik Davis both fumbled, and the Gators other possession in the quarter resulted in a three-and-out. The Canes took advantage, tacking on 10 points to take a 13-7 lead into the half. 

Although the Gators put up 10 points in the third quarter and regained the lead, the turnovers continued. Franks was picked off twice in the second half, the second of which gave the Canes the ball at the Florida 25-yard line with a little over four minutes remaining, the Gators clinging to a 24-20 lead. 

That's when the flags started flying -- penalty flags, that is.

The Gators forced Miami into two, third-and-long situations only to hand Miami automatic first-down's on pass-interference penalties. 

But that Florida defense held strong 

Florida sacked Jarren Williams 10 times, including several, critical stops in that final, four minutes. Ventrell Miller led the way with six tackles (two for loss) and two sacks. Jabari Zuniga also had six tackles (three for loss) and 1.5 sacks. 

The Canes' heralded defense held the Gators to just 52 total yards on the ground, making the play of quarterback Feleipe Franks all the more important. Franks finished 17 of 27 for 254 yards and three total touchdowns.  

Glynn Academy alum DeeJay Dallas paced Miami with 147 total yards and a touchdown. Making his starting debut, the redshirt freshman quarterback Williams was impressive, completing 19 of 30 passes and throwing for over 200 yards and a touchdown. 

Both teams are off next week before returning to action September 7. Miami travels to North Carolina, while Florida will host UT Martin. 

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