Gators’ comeback attempt fall short in 38-33 loss at Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Hendon Hooker threw for 348 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 112 yards and a rating to steer No. 11 Tennessee to a 38-33 victory over No. 20 Florida Saturday. It was Tennessee’s second win over Florida within the final 18 conferences and snapped a six-game dropping streak. It’s the Volunteers’ first 4-0 begin since 2016. Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Convention) took management within the fourth quarter when it traveled 87 yards for a TD after a fumble by Gators (2-2, 0-2) quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson threw for 453 yards and two scores and ran for 62 yards and two TDs.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Hendon Hooker threw for 348 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 112 yards and a rating to steer No. 11 Tennessee to a 38-33 victory over No. 20 Florida Saturday.

It was Tennessee’s second win over Florida within the final 18 conferences and snapped a six-game dropping streak within the collection. The win gave the Volunteers their first 4-0 begin since 2016.

Tennessee (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Convention) took management within the fourth quarter when it traveled 87 yards for a TD after a fumble by Gators (2-2, 0-2) quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Richardson had a career-high 453 passing yards and two touchdowns and ran for 62 and two scores in a raucous Neyland Stadium.

Tennessee led 17-14 at halftime following a primary half loaded with large offensive performs on each side.

Hooker, who shook off what was reported as an higher physique harm, threw for 248 yards, together with a 70-yard reference to Bru McCoy for the Vols’ longest play from scrimmage this season.

A 99-yard drive that ended with a one-yard go from Hooker to McCoy, gave Tennessee the lead 7 seconds earlier than the break.

Richardson had a career-high 220 passing yards by intermission and linked along with his first TD go of the season. Keon Zipperer broke three arm tackles on his approach to a 44-yard rating.

MISSING (OR NOT) IN ACTION

The left leg harm that pressured Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman to overlook a great deal of the Akron recreation brought on him to be held out. … Vols WR Jimmy Calloway couldn’t play within the first half towards the Gators due to a staff suspension after being ejected final week for punching an Akron participant. … Florida OT Michael Tarquin (decrease leg harm) and lengthy snapper Marco Ortiz didn’t play. …. LB Ventrell Miller, who missed final week’s recreation with a proper foot harm, began.

FACTS & FIGURES

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker had a string of 14 consecutive go completions, together with 12 towards Akron, earlier than a misfire. … In back-to-back second-quarter performs, Richardson threw his first TD go of the season, for 44 yards to Keon Zipperer, earlier than Hooker’s 70-yarder to McCoy. … Halfway by way of the second quarter Richardson had thrown for 207 yards, a profession excessive. … Florida had simply three sacks in its first three video games. It had three Saturday. … RB Jabari Small’s 16-yard TD reception was his first. … Florida was 4 of 5 in fourth-down conversions.

THE TAKEAWAY

Florida: With the intention to have success within the the rest of their SEC video games, the Gators might want to add a dimension to their offensive assault. As soon as defenses give attention to containing Richardson within the pocket, the variables within the offense are restricted. Richardson was capable of keep away from the strain and has been sacked simply twice this season.

Tennessee: Getting WR Cedric Tillman (leg) wholesome is crucial if the Vols plan on competing towards the elite within the SEC. Having that weapon obtainable is vital to giving LSU, Alabama and Kentucky one thing to game-plan towards.

UP NEXT

Florida: After taking part in three ranked groups within the first 4 weeks of the season, the Gators get a break by internet hosting Japanese Washington Saturday.

Tennessee: An open date Saturday provides the Vols a chance to catch their breath earlier than going to LSU after which internet hosting No. 2 Alabama.

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