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Homecoming defeat
After riding high and opening SEC play with a 3-0 record, thanks in part to a pair of fourth-quarter comebacks, the Florida Gators’ late-game magic ran out Saturday as they lost their homecoming game against the LSU Tigers, 17-16. The road probably isn’t going to get easier, either, as the Gators now prepare to face an improved Texas A&M team before their annual matchup with SEC East frontrunner Georgia in Jacksonville.
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What played into the Gators’ loss?
Most will point to Eddy Pineiro’s missed extra-point attempt in the third quarter as the difference, but there were other factors that played into the Gators’ defeat. There was the over-reliance on the run game and quarterback Feleipe Franks’ inability to get the offense going in its final drives.
Florida in the polls
Following the loss, the Gators dropped out of the AP and USA Today coaches polls. Florida also fell from No. 4 to No. 6 in the SEC Country Power Poll.
Recruiting roundup
- Quarterback Matt Corral said Florida is “where I want to be.”
- The general consensus among recruits at the game: Florida just needs to finish.
- The Gators are still in the lead for 4-star offensive lineman Richard Gouraige, but there are other teams in the mix as well.
- Florida improved its chances with a pair of LSU commits.
In other Florida football news
- Florida had a lengthy injury report after the loss to LSU.
- The Gators’ home game against Texas A&M on Saturday will be played under the lights.
- The Gators honored the late Tom Petty before the fourth quarter, and athletic director Scott Stricklin suggested on Twitter the move could be permanent.
Volleyball remains undefeated
The top-ranked Florida volleyball team continued its torrid start to the season with a 3-0 win over Georgia on Sunday to improve to 13-0 on the season. Florida is the only remaining undefeated team in the country. The Gators travel to Ole Miss on Friday before facing No. 10 Kentucky at home on Sunday.
Soccer shuts out Vandy
The ninth-ranked Gators soccer team defeated Vanderbilt, 3-0, on the road Sunday to improve to 11-2 on the season and 5-1 in SEC play. Freshman Deanne Rose scored the first 2 goals of the match to bring her season total to a team-best 8. Redshirt senior Gabby Seiler scored the final goal on a penalty kick in the 77th minute. Florida plays host to No. 16 Florida State on Thursday.
Men’s tennis chasing individual doubles title
The Florida duo of junior Alfredo Perez and sophomore Johannes Ingildsen will compete for the ITA All-American doubles title on Monday after winning their first three matches in the main draw over the past three days. Their semifinal match in the tournament came against fellow Gators tandem McClain Kessler and Duarte Vale.
Let’s keep talking
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What they’re saying on Twitter
Quarterback Malik Zaire:
Smh! What. A. Shame. #OnlyLordKnows
— Malik Zaire (@MalikZaire8) October 8, 2017
Wide receiver Dre Massey:
Smh
— Drè Massey (@D1Masseyy) October 8, 2017
Defensive back Chauncey Gardner Jr.:
….
— Chauncey Gardner Jr (@CGJXXIII) October 8, 2017
Defensive lineman Zachary Carter:
Free 94
— Zachary L Carter (@_ZachAttacks) October 9, 2017
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The post Florida Gators suffer setback with homecoming loss to LSU appeared first on SEC Country.