Closing strong, what else Florida football learned from win over No 6 Ole Miss

Florida football finished out the month of September with a statement, knocking off No. 6 Ole Miss 52-28 before 90.683 at The Swamp to close the month unbeaten.

The No. 22 Florida Gators (4-0, 2-0 SEC) have scored 40 or more points in its first four games, becoming the first UF team to achieve that feat since 2001.

"It gives us a lot of confidence, honestly," said Florida junior running back Jadan Baugh, who has rushed for five straight 100-yard games since the end of the 2025 season. "But I feel that this team is so gritty and ready to go for the next challenge. It's gonna be hard to stop anything that comes in front of us."

Florida next plays October 3 at Missouri (3-1, 0-1 SEC) after the Tigers suffered their first loss of the season on September 26, falling 31-24 at Mississippi State.

"I believe in our team," Florida coach Jon Sumrall said. "I believe in the direction we're headed. We still are not a finished product by any stretch of the imagination."

Here's what Florida football learned from its win over Ole Miss:

Florida football can close out a game strong

In its SEC opener at Auburn, Florida allowed a 17-point fourth quarter lead whittle to five points in a 44-39 win over Tigers.

Against Ole Miss, Florida closed out the game stronger. The Gators outscored Ole Miss 21-7 in the fourth quarter, continuing to mix the run and pass throughout the final 15 minutes.

UF scored on TD drives of 57 yards, 64 yards and 63 yards in the fourth quarter. Overall, Florida went 5-for-5 on TD drives in the second half before running out the clock with the game in hand.

"It just showed that we can do whatever we want on any team that we want," said Florida redshirt freshman running back Duke Clark, who rushed for a 45-yard TD in the third quarter.

Florida football can get its tight ends involved in passing game

With UF's receiving corps banged up (Vernell Brown III and Bailey Stockton left the game with injuries), the Gators turned to their tight ends for some targets throughout the game. Florida starting quarterback Aaron Philo found former Georgia Tech teammate Luke Harpring for two catches for 34 yards, including a 21-yard strike.

In the second half, Philo worked the ball to Amir Jackson, who had two catches for 28 yards, including a 5-yard TD catch.

"He's awesome," Philo said. "He brings it every single day. If you just turn on the tape and watch him play, the dude plays his butt off and he's had a great season so far. I know he's going to keep going, keep climbing. It was good to connect with him."

Florida football defense consistent in generating takeaways

Florida forced two more takeaways in the second half on a strip sack by Jayden Woods (recovered by linebacker Myles Graham) and an interception by safety DJ Coleman.

UF's defense has forced eight takeaways on the season (four fumble recoveries and four interceptions).

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun's Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1.