GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida players eager to celebrate their latest victory, the one that made them bowl eligible for the first time in two years, found a suitable prop on the sideline.

Ole Miss left behind its basketball hoop, which the Rebels use to salute big plays during games.

The Gators set it up, grabbed some footballs and held their own dunk contest near the end zone. It provided an apt stage — perfect for showcasing finishing moves — after they closed out another ranked opponent.

Florida (6-5, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) dominated the second half for the second consecutive week and got to party in the Swamp following a 24-17 victory over then-ninth-ranked Mississippi on Saturday.

Not only did the Gators knock the Rebels (8-3, 4-3) out of the College Football Playoff picture, they won their fourth consecutive home game and raised expectations for coach Billy Napier’s fourth season in Gainesville.

And the manner in which they accomplished it mattered. Napier has been preaching about “finishing,” something that had mostly eluded the Gators in the past two years.

Florida lost four games in 2023 after leading in the second half, including three — against Arkansas, Missouri and Florida State — in the fourth quarter.

And no one following the program has forgotten how close the Gators were to upsetting Tennessee and Georgia earlier this season, losing 23-17 to the Volunteers in overtime and fading against the Bulldogs after being tied at 20 with five minutes to play.

Napier hoped all those gut punches would ultimately lead to something better, and they finally did — with late-game knockouts against LSU and Mississippi.

“Eventually you get sick of that,” receiver Chimere Dike said. “To be able to get these last two wins is huge for our team and our program. I’m proud of the resilience the guys showed, the way that we performed.”

Florida held Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s high-scoring offense to three points in the second half. The Rebels turned the ball over twice — interceptions by Bryce Thornton on the final two drives — punted twice and got stuffed on another fourth-down run.

“I thought we were better on both sides up front, and short-yardage defense is a big component,” Napier said. “Those are identity plays. I think we had guys step up and make plays.”

Added defensive tackle Cam Jackson said: “Everybody just pinned their ears back. That was great.”

It was reminiscent of the previous week against then-No. 21 LSU. Florida held the Tigers to six points in the second half and forced a fumble, a punt and a turnover on downs in a 27-16 victory.

“We just all came together and wanted to change how Florida was looked at,” Thornton said. “That’s the biggest thing with us, just trying to show everybody that we can do it.”

The Gators ended the afternoon showing off their basketball moves.

Cornerback Trikweze Bridges, receiver Marcus Burke, defensive end Justus Boone, tight end Tony Livingston and linebacker Shemar James delivered monster dunks. Aidan Mizell passed a football between his leg in midair before his slam, and fellow receiver Elijhah Badger bounced it off the backboard before rousing teammates and fans with his finish.

“Belief is the most powerful thing in the world,” Napier said. “At some point there, midseason, we figured (that) out and we started to believe. Look, we can play with any team in the country.”

FAMU football defeated Bethune-Cookman 41-38 in the Florida Classic at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The Rattlers have won four straight Florida Classic over in-state rivals Wildcats.

Florida A&M football still reigns supreme over Bethune-Cookman.

The Rattlers defeated the Wildcats 41-38 before a crowd of 56,453 football fans at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. It was FAMU’s fourth straight year beating its in-state rivals, Bethune-Cookman.

FAMU outgained Bethune-Cookman 487-416. The Rattlers erased a 21-17 halftime deficit to claim the victory.

FAMU running back Thad Franklin Jr. starred for the Rattlers, carrying the football 26 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Franklin’s performance earned the Florida Classic’s Most Valuable Player Award.

FAMU football Thad Franklin Jr. runs all over Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman

FAMU heavily relied on its rushing attack.

The Rattlers rushed 47 times for 305 yards.

Behind Franklin’s MVP outing, Kelvin Dean Jr. also was productive on the ground. Dean added 14 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.

FAMU quarterback Daniel Richardson picked his spots, completing 15 of 21 passes for 182 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. His top target was wide receiver Quan Lee, who had five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown.

FAMU football tested by Bethune-Cookman in Florida Classic

The Rattlers got a run their money with the Wildcats’ rushing attack.

Bethune-Cookman rushed 44 times for 183 yards. Dennis Palmer led the Wildcats with 37 carries for 178 yards.

Despite that, FAMU had bent but don’t break situations.

For example, FAMU held up Bethune-Cookman in a critical drive after the Rattlers threw an interception with 8:10 left. Nay’Ron Jenkins tackled Bethune-Cookman running back Palmer for a loss to turn the ball over on downs on 4th and 1.

The Rattlers had six tackles for loss and an interception which was caught by Jenkins.

FAMU football’s special teams gives up yardage, touchdown vs Florida Classic rivals Bethune-Cookman

The Rattlers’ special teams unit put the team in compromising situations.

Bethune-Cookman gained 123 yards on kickoffs on five returns.

Those returns pushed FAMU’s defense back in some situations.

On punts, the Rattlers gave allowed Wildcats punt returner Maleek Huggins to return a 51-yarder in the first quarter.

Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.