SEC Saturday Roundup: Florida stuns Texas; Alabama hosts Vanderbilt

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida freshman quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns as the Gators stunned No. 9 Texas 29-21 on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Lagway told reporters afterward, “It’s us against the world. That’s our mentality every Saturday.”

Receiver Dallas Wilson caught both scoring passes, while running back Trevor Etienne added 104 rushing yards. The Gators’ defense forced Arch Manning into two interceptions, including a late pick by cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. that sealed the win.

Manning finished 21-for-35 for 263 yards. “We didn’t execute in key moments,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said.

“The crowd, the defense, and our composure — that’s how you change a program,” Florida coach Billy Napier said, praising his team’s discipline

Alabama withstands Vanderbilt’s challenge

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama improved to 5-1 with a 31-20 win over Vanderbilt, relying on its running game and a late defensive stand.

Quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Justice Haynes added 87 yards and a score.

Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, one of the league’s breakout transfer quarterbacks, finished with 278 yards passing and two total touchdowns.
“We’ve proven we belong in this league,” Pavia said.

Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer credited Vandy’s progress: “That’s a program on the rise. We had to match their energy snap after snap.”

The Tide’s defense tightened in the fourth quarter, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs to preserve the victory.

Georgia controls Kentucky behind strong second half

ATHENS, Ga. — After a sluggish start, Georgia outscored Kentucky 27-10 in the second half to post a 37-20 victory that steadied its SEC East title push.

Quarterback Carson Beck completed 19 of 27 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown, while running back Branson Robinson rushed for 96 yards and two scores.

“We challenged our offensive line at halftime,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “They responded exactly how you’d want a veteran group to.”

Kentucky’s Devin Leary threw for 198 yards but was intercepted twice. Coach Mark Stoops lamented missed opportunities: “We were in it early. When you give Georgia extra possessions, it snowballs fast.”

Texas A&M dominates Mississippi State in College Station

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M pounded Mississippi State 31-9, piling up 299 rushing yards and holding the Bulldogs scoreless until the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Marcel Reed accounted for three touchdowns, and running back Rueben Owens II led all rushers with 146 yards.
“This is how we want to play — physical, fast, and balanced,” Aggies coach Mike Elko said.

Defensive back Jordan Shaw’s interception set up the final touchdown drive. Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen was sacked four times and completed just 12 of 25 passes.

“We’ve got to be better on third down,” Shapen said. “This league punishes mistakes.”

Around the league and what’s next

Florida (4-2) travels to LSU next week in Baton Rouge, while Texas (3-2) returns home to host Missouri.
Alabama faces Tennessee in Knoxville, a rematch of last year’s overtime thriller.

Georgia visits Auburn, and Texas A&M meets South Carolina in Columbia.

Analyst Cole Cubelic summarized Saturday on the SEC Network: “There’s parity again in this league. Florida’s win proves nothing is guaranteed anymore.”

3 key takeaways

• Florida’s upset reshapes the early CFP picture and injects life into Billy Napier’s second season.

• Alabama’s depth continues to offset youth at key offensive positions.

• Texas A&M’s balance could position the Aggies as a dark-horse West contender.