Gators 'Eliminate' LSU From CFP Contention, Upset Tigers

© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

The Florida Gators (5-5, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) defeated the No. 22 LSU Tigers (6-4, 3-3 SEC) 27-16 in Gainesville, Fla. on Nov. 16. It was clear pretty early on that this game was going to be a defensive struggle for both teams. When Florida and LSU are clicking, both offenses are capable of putting up a lot of points. However, it was the defenses that showed up. The Gators had seven sacks en route to their victory.

It comes after both teams were blown out in their previous matchups. For Florida, they faced the currently No. 3 Texas Longhorns in Austin, Texas on Nov. 9 and lost 49-17. The Tigers faced the No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide in Baton Rouge, La. on Nov. 9. Like the Gators, it wasn't close. They lost 42-13.

Game Summary

The Tigers opened the game with the ball. After gaining one first down, they were shut down on fourth down at the LSU 46-yard line. The Gators committed a couple of penalties that forced them to punt. The Tigers took over at their own 16. While LSU was forced to punt from almost the exact same spot again on their second drive, the Gators' second drive went 5 plays and 80 yards, resulting in a Elijhah Badger touchdown reception. Both Badger and freshman star quarterback D.J. Lagway returned in time for the game against LSU. This game proved how much the Gators needed them.

On the Tigers' following drive, they were able to drive into field goal range before they were stopped by the Gators. However, a career-long field goal attempt by LSU's Damian Ramos went wide-right and appeared to be short. Despite gaining momentum and great field position, the Gators went three-and-out. The Tigers finally scored halfway through the second quarter on a 28-yard TD pass from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to wide receiver Aaron Anderson, tying the game at 7. The Gators responded with a 49-yard field goal from Trey Smack, retaking the lead. Right before halftime, Ramos tied the game up again for LSU at 10.

Turning Point for Gators

The game turned in LSU's favor after the first second-half drives for each team. The Gators went three-and-out. But LSU drove down and Ramos kicked a 50-yard field goal to give the Tigers their first lead of the day. As the third quarter neared its finish, LSU had more than double the time of possession Florida had. However, a Smack field goal tied the game at 13 with 3:07 left in the third quarter.

©Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Lagway once again connected with Badger, setting up running back Ja'Kobi Jackson for a punch-in TD. That put Florida up 20-13 and turned the game's momentum in the Gators' favor. Ramos added another field goal, pushing LSU closer to Florida at 20-16 with just 5:23 left in the game. The Gators put the game away on a 55-yard TD run from freshman running back Jadan Baugh.

What it Means

For the Gators, they did exactly what they needed to do to make a bowl game. Florida upset one of the tough opponents they had left on the schedule. By doing so, they also eliminated the Tigers from College Football Playoff contention. With just No. 11 Ole Miss (Nov. 23) and in-state rival Florida State (Nov. 30) left on their schedule, the Gators need just one win to be bowl-eligible. With Florida State being a one-win team, the Gators could very well see themselves bowling.

For LSU, this result eliminated them from the 12-team playoff. With Vandy (Nov. 23) and Oklahoma (Nov. 30) in their final weeks, they will look to make the best possible bowl as they can't play in a New Year's Six Bowl anymore due to the CFP layout. Some projections already have them in the Reliaquest Bowl or the Citrus Bowl.