Florida Gators Football

Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz doesn't seem too upset that Dan Mullen lost his job as head coach of Florida this week.

"My father was a farmer, and there's an old saying you reap what you sow," Drinkwitz told reporters Tuesday. "If you sow kindness, you reap kindness. If you sow jackass, you reap jackass."

Missouri earned a 24-23 overtime win over Florida on Saturday, leading to Mullen's firing after the Gators fell to 5-6 on the season.

There is history between these two teams after an on-field brawl during the 2020 matchup led to five suspensions and Mullen being fined for running onto the field. 

Florida won that game 41-17 before Mullen showed up to the postgame press conference waring his Darth Vader Halloween costume:

#Gators head coach Dan Mullen dressed as Darth Vader 🤣 pic.twitter.com/LAZoeObEXH

— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) November 1, 2020

Drinkwitz clearly didn't forget the moment, breaking out a lightsaber during Saturday's press conference to continue the Star Wars theme.

"May the force be with you," he told reporters.

Missouri is 6-5 during Drinkwitz's second season with the program and is looking for its first bowl appearance since 2018.   

Dan Mullen's tenure as head coach of the Florida Gators is over.

Florida fired Mullen on Sunday after going just 5-6 to start the 2021 campaign, the team announced. 

Mullen tweeted out a statement on Sunday to show his appreciation for the opportunity:

pic.twitter.com/G3XUvIEE5D

— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) November 21, 2021

Chris Low of ESPN first reported the news.

Florida suffered a 24-23 loss to Missouri on Saturday, dropping the squad to just 2-6 in SEC play. 

The Gators looked to be well on their way to a strong season even in defeat when they lost a 31-29 thriller to Alabama in their SEC opener in September. That they followed the loss with a convincing win over rival Tennessee did nothing to quell the confidence.

However, the season went downhill from there.

Florida lost to Kentucky, dropped a game to a mediocre LSU squad and was then blown out by Georgia. Yet the low point may have come during a 40-17 loss to South Carolina to begin November, which dropped the Gators to 4-5 and left even a bowl game appearance somewhat in doubt.

"I didn't see it coming. I'm obviously really disappointed," Mullen told reporters after the game. "Wasn't seeing the game play out this way, so very disappointed. I know our players are very disappointed."

USA Today's Dan Wolken suggested the coach's career at Florida was at a "crossroads" after the stunning loss.

Mullen was already under the microscope prior to the loss for a comment he made about recruiting. He told reporters, "We're in the season right now. We'll do recruiting after the season" after he was asked about losing two top commits.

Although he later clarified to reporters the comment was taken out of context and the "staff recruits nonstop," the loss only magnified the existing criticism.

Mullen's tenure with the Gators trended in the wrong direction following an impressive start.

They went 10-3 with a Peach Bowl win over Michigan in his first year in 2018 and then built on that at 11-2 with an Orange Bowl win over Virginia in 2019. However, they were just 8-4 in 2020 during a season they capped off with a 35-point loss to Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.

It's somewhat surprising he never fully found his footing with the Gators considering he impressed at Mississippi State during a tenure that lasted from 2009 through 2017.

The Bulldogs went 69-46 overall under Mullen and made a bowl game in seven of his seasons at the helm. Considering they had only made eight total bowl games since 1981 when he took over, it was quite an accomplishment.

They were even ranked No. 1 at one point during a 2014 campaign that saw them finish 10-3. It was just the second time since 1940 the program won double-digit games in a season.

Alas, the coach who overachieved at Mississippi State was unable to accomplish the program's goals at Florida and is now out of a job.

Florida isn't planning to fire head football coach Dan Mullen before the regular season ends, according to CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd.

A number of notable FBS schools have already moved on from their head coaches. Virginia Tech is the most recent to enter the coaching carousel after parting ways with Justin Fuente on Tuesday.

With the Gators sitting at 5-5, many have wondered whether Mullen is living on borrowed time in Gainesville.

Dodd laid out one of the biggest challenges Florida would face if it fired Mullen: the absence of a clear replacement.

No Urban Meyer-like candidate is on the board. When the Gators hired Meyer ahead of the 2005 season, he was a home run hire, and he guided the program to two national championships.

Not only is there a dearth of prominent coaches either out of work or looking to move up in prestige, but the Gators would also be competing with USC, LSU and Washington for the top names available.

Florida's last coaching search showed how difficult it can be to evaluate the suitability of experienced coaches with proven track records.

In 2017, the school pursued Chip Kelly to replace Jim McElwain, only to see him select UCLA instead. The Bruins are 16-25 under Kelly, and his subpar recruiting would've made him a poor fit at a top-tier SEC power. Florida would probably be in a worse position if Kelly had chosen the Gators.

Things aren't going well under Mullen. The Gators haven't closed the gap on Alabama or Georgia, and some have raised concerns about his ability to attract blue-chip talent.

However, the extent to which Florida is struggling could be a blip.

Jim Harbaugh looked to be a dead man walking after Michigan went 2-4 in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Instead, he got an extension that effectively makes it easier to fire him, and the Wolverines are on track to make a New Year's Six bowl at 9-1.

The Gators fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach John Hevesy shortly after a 40-17 defeat to South Carolina.

Given the coaching landscape, it might make sense to give Mullen one more year with a new defensive coordinator.

Florida head coach Dan Mullen is taking the high road after his team got a scare Saturday before pulling away from Samford in a 70-52 win. 

Speaking to reporters after the game, Mullen said calling any victory disappointing "is disrespectful to the game and our players."

Per Adam Dubbin of Gators Wire, at least one betting sportsbook had the Gators favored by 35.5 points. 

Samford, an FCS program, entered this game with a 4-5 record. The Bulldogs have never beaten an FBS school since bringing back their football program in 1984 (0-25). 

Despite everything seemingly working against Samford, it didn't play scared against an SEC opponent. The Bulldogs led by as many as 14 points late in the second quarter and had a 42-35 advantage at halftime. 

The Gators came alive in the second half with 35 points to secure the win. This marks the first time they have scored at least 70 points in a game since November 2008 against the Citadel (70-19). 

This has been a frustrating season for Florida. It started the year ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll, played Alabama close before falling 31-29 and climbed to No. 10 in the rankings as recently as Oct. 2. 

Before this weekend, though, Florida was on a three-game losing streak. It was outscored 74-24 in back-to-back losses against Georgia and South Carolina. 

Saturday's win won't change anyone's opinion of Mullen or the Gators in 2021, but they at least have something positive to build on with two games remaining in the regular season.    

Julian Humphrey, a four-star cornerback prospect from Houston, has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs after decommitting from Florida last month, according to ESPN's Tom VanHaaren. 

Humphrey is the second player to commit to Georgia in as many days. He joins wide receiver Raymond Cottrell—another previous Gators commit—who made a pledge to the Bulldogs on Thursday. 

Humphrey committed to Florida in May but decided to switch his committment after visiting Georgia and a few other schools, per VanHaaren. According to The Athletic, he was also considering LSU and Texas A&M. 

Humphrey explained his decision during a live broadcast on CBS Sports HQ, per 247Sports:

“Georgia is DBU," he said. "I think they had (four) DBs drafted last year, that’s like a record. Once I seen that, that clicked instantly—they must be doing something different from all those other schools. I’m like OK, that’s something I would love to be part of for sure, be developed like those guys.”

Humphrey is rated as the No. 94 overall prospect and 12th cornerback prospect in the Class of 2022. National Recruiting Expert Chris Singletary provided the following scouting report, via 247Sports:

"Muscular player with a good broad shoulders. Along with a powerful build lower half you have an athlete with twitch and burst. With his long arms and wingspan his has added tools to his 6-foot-1 build that benefit him in both man and zone coverage. Possessing elite speed with verified track times you see that it is able to translate to the field in his playmaking ability. Good with eye placement in man coverage as well as the ability to stay in phase with the receiver. In zone coverage he shows his instincts to key and diagnose with leverage on the receiver in his area with solid route recognition. Willing tackler that is not afraid to make a play. Solid with ability to flip his hips, cod and transition out of his peddle to break on the ball. He has done a good job of trending upward from his junior year with being more consistent and added strength."

Singletary currently projects Humphrey will be a second- or third-round NFL draft pick. However, it's still early to speculate on his draft stock. 

The Bulldogs' 2022 class is now ahead of Alabama for the top spot in the nation. With Humphrey committed, Georgia now has nine top-100 prospects in the 2022 class, per The Athletic. The school also has two five-star recruits in linebacker Malaki Starks and defensive lineman Mykel Williams.

It's unsurprising that Georgia continues to land the best prospects in football. The Bulldogs are ranked first in the AP Top 25 and are undefeated this season. Florida, meanwhile, is struggling at 4-5 and has the eighth-ranked 2022 prospect pool in the SEC, per ESPN.  

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson injured his knee dancing at the team hotel Friday prior to the Gators' 40-17 loss to South Carolina on Saturday.

Head coach Dan Mullen said Monday that the redshirt freshman would have been available to play against the Gamecocks if the circumstances required it. An MRI on Richardson's knee didn't show any significant damage.

To some extent, the arc of Richardson's season mirrors that of his team.

The 6'4" signal-caller threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns while running for 275 yards and two scores in Florida's first two games. Some were already calling for him to replace Emory Jones as the starting quarterback.

Richardson was unavailable against Alabama as the Gators fell 31-29 and maintained a level of respect in a losing effort.

Mullen's squad has since gone into a tailspin, and a 34-7 defeat to Georgia seemed to show the head coach was justified all along in waiting to turn the reins over to Richardson.

With less than three minutes left in the first half, Florida was trailing 3-0. Richardson lost a fumble and threw two interceptions on three successive drives as the Gators suddenly found themselves down 24-0 at halftime.

PICK SIX!!!@GeorgiaFootball absolutely pouring it on late in the first half. pic.twitter.com/q7A5uoYpva

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 30, 2021

Perhaps things would've gone differently against South Carolina if Richardson had been healthy, but Jones put together a good enough stat line (17-of-30, 258 yards, two touchdowns and one interception).

Mullen could've had Tom Brady under center and it wouldn't have helped a defense that allowed the Gamecocks to gain 459 yards, including 284 on the ground. The performance cost defensive coordinator Todd Grantham his job.

The circumstances surrounding Richardson's injury add to a season Mullen and Florida fans will soon want to forget.

The Florida Gators football program has reportedly fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach John Hevesy, sources told ESPN's Chris Low. 

The decision comes after the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Gators 40-17 on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Florida's third straight defeat on Saturday dropped the Gators to 4-5. The team is now tied for the second-worst overall record in the SEC East. 

Grantham had been at Florida since the school hired Dan Mullen as head coach before the 2018 season. He has also coached at Mississippi State, Louisville, Georgia and has held jobs with the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. 

Defense has been a weak point for the Gators this season, allowing 353.6 yards and 24.7 points per game. They've been trending downward as well, giving up at least 30 points in each of their last three games. 

Meanwhile, Hevesy had worked under Mullen since the Gators head coach was at Mississippi State in 2009. Hevesy's offensive line had been underperforming all season. Quarterback Emory Jones is the Gators' leading rusher, while Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis have combined for just 695 rushing yards. 

The Gators have just three games remaining this season against Samford, Missouri and Florida State, all of which are unranked. If the team continues to struggle, Mullen could be out of a head coaching job before the 2022 season kicks off. 

Florida's decline began during the 2020 season, when it finished 8-4. Before that, the team was 21-5 in Mullen's first two seasons at the helm. In his four seasons at Florida, Mullen is 33-14. His five defeats so far this season are the most of his tenure with the Gators.  

Florida coach Dan Mullen revealed the team had 20-30 players dealing with flu-like symptoms ahead of Saturday's 40-17 loss to South Carolina: 

“We had several guys not even come out onto the field on the bus. I don't want to make excuses for those guys, but I want to give our guys credit for battling, for facing adversity. We had a bunch of guys dealing with sickness. We had to fly some guys up separately from the team, keep everybody separated. Those guys, they still went out. Even though the large number of guys that missed practice, we had quite a few that our training staff tried to do a good job today of IV-ing guys and try to get them ready to be able to go out and perform. And so, that's what I love. I think our guys compete and they're going to work and they're going to fight and they're going to give everything they have.

"We as coaches have got to do a better job to put them in the positions for the effort they give, to put them in position to be successful."

The Gators (4-5) were dominated almost from the opening whistle to lose their third straight game, with pressure mounting on Mullen to turn things around. Florida's five losses are already a high in Mullen's four-year tenure at the school. 

The loss to South Carolina was perhaps the worst of Mullen's run in Gainesville. The Gamecocks entered the weekend with only one SEC win, a one-point squeaker over lowly Vanderbilt. However, Shane Beamer's team ran all over Florida, compiling 284 yards on the ground as Kevin Harris and ZaQuandre White each went over the 100-yard mark.

South Carolina scored on its first five possessions of the game and never trailed again after taking a 10-7 lead in the first quarter. 

The depleted Gators are 2-5 in the SEC but should get back on a winning track on Saturday at home against Samford, an FCS program. 

The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party was a success for Georgia, as the nation's No. 1 team defeated Florida 34-7 at TIAA Bank Field on Saturday to remain undefeated.

Georgia won its first seven games on the strength of a defense allowing just 6.6 points per contest. Head coach Kirby Smart stuck with Stetson Bennett as his starting quarterback this week, even though JT Daniels was finally healthy after missing the past three games with a lat injury.

The Gators came into this game looking to get back on track. They lost two of their last three games, including a 49-42 defeat at LSU two weeks ago. Anthony Richardson and Emory Jones combined to throw four interceptions in that game.

After a scoreless first quarter when it looked like Florida was going to put up a fight, things changed dramatically in the second quarter. Georgia scored three touchdowns in less than three minutes of game time to take a 24-0 lead into halftime. 

Nakobe Dean capped off the scoring barrage with a 50-yard touchdown when he picked off Richardson. 

The Bulldogs defense was all over Florida's quarterback duo of Richardson and  Jones. They recorded only 194 yards and two interceptions on 34 combined attempts. 

Notable Game Stats

• Stetson Bennett (UGA): 10-of-19, 161 yards, TD, 2 INT; 6 carries, 35 yards
• Zamir White (UGA): 14 carries, 105 yards, TD
• Kearis Jackson (UGA): 3 receptions 59 yards, TD
• Anthony Richardson (FLA): 12-of-20, 82 yards, 2 INT; 12 carries, 26 yards
• Dameon Pierce (FLA): 9 carries, 69 yards
• Justin Shorter (FLA): 4 receptions, 50 yards

Defense Sparks Bulldogs' Blowout Win

Saturday was the first time since Georgia's season opener against Clemson that it looked potentially vulnerable. Bennett threw his first interception in five games late in the second quarter with the team clinging to a 3-0 lead. 

Unlike the Clemson game, though, the Bulldogs figured things out thanks in part to some sloppy play by Florida. Rashad Torrence II, who picked off Bennett's pass in the end zone, tried to bring it out and was tackled at the two-yard line. 

Florida head coach Dan Mullen ran Richardson on back-to-back plays. The second one gained eight yards, but Nolan Smith forced a fumble and recovered the ball at Florida's 11-yard line. 

He ripped it right out of his hands!@GeorgiaFootball with a HUGE takeaway pic.twitter.com/CH8PlN8rvn

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 30, 2021

James Cook scored Georgia's first touchdown on the first play after the turnover. Smith got in on the action again on Florida's ensuing possession when he picked off Richardson. 

Bennett found Kearis Jackson for a 36-yard score on the next play from scrimmage to extend the lead to 17-0. Florida did put together a decent drive after getting the ball back, but it ended with Dean's 50-yard pick-six. 

PICK SIX!!!@GeorgiaFootball absolutely pouring it on late in the first half. pic.twitter.com/q7A5uoYpva

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 30, 2021

That sequence of events took a total of 129 seconds of game time to turn a 3-0 lead into a three possession lead at the intermission. 

Florida held Georgia to just three points and a respectable 156 yards on the first 29 plays of that first half.

Last two Georgia drives were one-play TD strikes generating 14 points off 47 yards — both after turnovers. And then came a pick-six.

That’s will-breaking stuff.

— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) October 30, 2021

With 2 minutes and 20 seconds left before halftime, Florida had a first down at its own 11 and trailed 3-0.

Forty-seven seconds and two turnovers later, Florida is down 17-0 and in need of a mighty strong cocktail.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 30, 2021

Georgia's offense was mostly quiet for the rest of the game after that. Its longest drive of the second half took nine plays and 55 yards, ending with a field goal. 

But the Bulldogs defense continued to do what it has done all season. The Gators only averaged 4.8 yards per play in the game. 

Georgia's D is ree-diculous. They have studs all over that front seven. In 8 games, they've allowed a total of 16 points in the first half. That's insane how dominant they've been. That's as many points as their defense has scored over that stretch.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 30, 2021

everything from this Georgia defense comes at you so damn fast

— ¡BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL! (@edsbs) October 30, 2021

There might be a game this year when the defense does get caught on its heels, but the remaining schedule in the regular season certainly sets up well for Georgia to have an easy path to the SEC Championship game. 

The Bulldogs don't play another team that currently has a winning record. If this was a statement game, they made it loud and clear to the rest of the country that the road to the College Football Playoff starts in Athens. 

Florida's Flaws Stand Out in Loss

Mullen and his staff are going to spend a lot of time over the next week trying to find answers for what has gone wrong during their two-game losing skid.

The most glaring issue has been turnovers at the quarterback position. Richardson and Emory Jones have done a terrible job of protecting the football against LSU and Georgia. The Gators have a total of seven turnovers in those games.

Florida turnovers: 4

Florida points: 0

Georgia leads comfortably 24-0

— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) October 30, 2021

They came into Saturday with 13 turnovers this season, tied with four other teams for most in the nation.

Even when the offense was able to move the ball against Georgia, those drives would end without points until the game was well in hand. The Gators had two possessions end in a turnover on downs. Jace Christmann missed two field-goal attempts.

It's especially unfortunate the offense came up short in this game because Florida's defense did a good job under difficult circumstances. The unit forced three turnovers of its own. Bennett threw as many interceptions today as he did in the previous six games combined (two).

Pro: Florida’s finally forcing turnovers!

Con: They are likely have nearly zero impact on the final outcome!

— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) October 30, 2021

Mullen is stuck between a rock and a hard place with his quarterbacks right now. Richardson now has as many touchdown passes as interceptions (five) after throwing two picks Saturday.

Jones didn't throw a pick for just the second game this season, but he entered Saturday tied for third in the nation with nine interceptions.

Unless Richardson or Jones is able to step up his game, Florida is going to struggle to get over the .500 mark.   

What's Next?

Georgia will return home to host Missouri at Sanford Stadium next Saturday. Florida will take on South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium on the same day.

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This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.

A phenomenal defensive effort combined with running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s 99-yard, one-touchdown performance propelled unranked Kentucky to a 20-13 home win over the No. 10 Florida Gators on Saturday from Kroger Field in Lexington.

We celebrate tonight, go back to work again tomorrow morning.

🗣 @UKCoachStoops #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/cix9aF1MxB

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

The Wildcats turned this game around after defensive end Josh Paschal blocked Florida's 48-yard field goal attempt, which led to Trevin Wallace returning the loose ball 76 yards for a touchdown to give UK a 13-10 lead with 6:36 left in the third quarter.

That just happened. 👋 @JPaschalx | TD return @WallaceTrevin

📺 - @ESPN - https://t.co/071KUqeHQH | #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/WhfQSBn4RF

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

UK's defense came up big time and again, most notably when linebacker J.J. Weaver picked off Florida quarterback Emory Jones and returned the ball to the Gators' 29-yard line.

.@jjtimeee is a PLAYMAKER

📺 - @ESPN - https://t.co/071KUqeHQH | #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/JxmrHQs1Lf

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

On their ensuing drive, the Wildcats scored on a nine-yard Rodriguez run.

.@CROD_JR running behind the #BigBlueWall into the end zone. Cats by 10.

📺 - @ESPN - https://t.co/071KUqeHQH | #ForTheTeam 😼🏈 pic.twitter.com/rwhm7ippmQ

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

The UK defense bent but didn't break in response, as Florida went 59 yards in 13 plays before settling for a Jace Christmann 33-yard field goal.

Florida got the ball back after forcing a three-and-out and got something going late, driving all the way down to the Kentucky five-yard line for a 1st-and-goal with 41 seconds remaining.

However, the Gators went backwards and had a 4th-and-goal from the eight-yard line. The drive ended with a Jacquez Jones pass breakup.

.@ESPN_Jac shut the door #ForTheTeam 😼 pic.twitter.com/my1FNuNsUA

— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 3, 2021

Florida lost despite out-gaining Kentucky 382-224 and possessing the ball for more than 36 minutes.

The two teams traded touchdowns in the first half. Florida wideout Ja'Quavion Fraziars caught a seven-yard pass before UK quarterback Will Levis and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson connected on a 41-yarder. Christmann then knocked a 51-yard field goal through the uprights in the second quarter for the 10-7 lead.

The 3-2 Gators will host the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET from Gainesville's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. 

Kentucky, which is 5-0 overall and 3-0 in SEC play, will welcome LSU into town on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.