Florida Humbled in Blowout Loss to No. 25 Missouri

The Florida Gators moved up significantly in the AP Poll after beating the Ole Miss Rebels last week. The Gators entered Saturday as the No. 8 team in the country and went on the road to take on the No. 25 Missouri Tigers.

The Florida team from a week ago didn't show up, as the Gators fell 45-17 to Missouri. It was a tight game in the first quarter, as both teams could only manage a field goal. The game remained close through most of the second quarter, with Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons finding Donovan Olugbode for a 47-yard touchdown.

Florida struck back when Aaron Philo connected with Dallas Wilson for a six-yard touchdown to tie it 10-10. Missouri answered quickly, as Simmons found Caleb Goodie Sr. for a 31-yard touchdown.

After a Gators punt, the Tigers kicked a 50-yard field goal to take a 20-10 lead into the half. It was all Missouri from there, as Jamal Roberts dominated in the run game, rushing for three touchdowns in the second half.

Florida went quiet on offense, not scoring until garbage time, when backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. connected with TJ Abrams for a 42-yard touchdown, sealing a 45-17 win.

It was a rough day for the Gators after they had established themselves as one of the best teams in the country. While the Tigers are talented, Florida should have been able to beat them or at least put up a better fight.

The Gators' offense struggled, as they couldn't get star running back and Heisman contender Jadan Baugh going, as he rushed for just 13 yards on 12 carries while catching three passes for 17 yards. This was by far Baugh's worst game of the season, as he's been sensational.

The passing game moved the ball at times but was inconsistent, with Philo completing 21 of 34 passes for 197 yards, a touchdown, and zero interceptions.

Their defense also struggled against the run and the pass, as Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns against the Gators. In the passing attack, Simmons completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

It's an all-around ugly loss for Florida, and they will drop back down in the AP Poll. However, the Gators should remain ranked and could be in the mix to make the College Football Playoff with a strong finish to the season.

Jon Sumrall will look to get his team back on track ahead of a matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.