No. 5 Texas A&M Defeats Florida 34-17
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – no. 5 Texas A&M overpowered Florida 34-17 on Saturday, handing the Gators their fourth loss in six games and extending a frustrating road losing streak against ranked opponents. The Aggies responded to an early florida touchdown with three consecutive scoring drives, establishing control and ultimately securing the victory.
Florida quarterback Graham Lagway threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter – a 75-yard connection with Ricky Pearsall for a career touchdown and a 6-yard pass to freshman receiver Dallas Wilson – but the Gators’ offense faltered as Texas A&M increased the pressure.
Texas A&M answered Florida’s initial score with a 75-yard drive capped by an 8-yard run from running back Rueben Reed to tie the game 7-7. Following a Florida punt, Reed connected with Jamarion Morrow for a 22-yard touchdown, giving the Aggies a 14-7 lead. Ja’veon Moss extended the lead to 21-14 with a 22-yard touchdown run before leaving the game with an injury.
Aggies quarterback Conner Reed finished the game completing 16 of 26 passes for 234 yards and added 37 yards rushing.
“We’re close, but close is not good enough,” linebacker Myles Graham said. “We’re right ther, but we have to be better.”
The loss drops Florida to 3-3 on the season, after beginning the campaign ranked No. 15 in the AP Top 25. The Gators have now lost 14 games in a row away from Ben Hill griffin Stadium against ranked opponents,including losses at LSU,Miami,and Texas A&M this season,and are 0-10 in true road games versus ranked teams under head coach Billy Napier.
Florida returns home to face Mississippi state (4-2, 0-2) on Homecoming at The Swamp. The Bulldogs lost to Texas A&M 31-9 the previous week.
