The tension in Jacksonville was thick enough to cut with a dull steak knife. If you walked into EverBank Stadium on November 1, 2025, expecting the usual Georgia steamroller, you were in for a massive shock. Honestly, most of the pre-game chatter focused on how many points the Bulldogs would win by, not if they would win.
Florida was a mess on paper. They’d just fired Billy Napier. They were playing under interim coach Billy Gonzales. They were huge underdogs. But as the old-timers say, you can throw the record books into the St. Johns River when these two meet. The final Georgia vs Florida football score ended up being 24-20 in favor of the Bulldogs, but that number doesn't even begin to describe the heart-stopping chaos of the afternoon.
The Scoreboard Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
Georgia escaped. That’s the only way to put it. Kirby Smart’s squad was ranked No. 5 in the country, yet they spent a good chunk of the second half looking like a team that had forgotten how to execute basic plays.
The game was knotted up 10-10 at halftime. It felt weird. Georgia usually has this game put to bed by the time the third-quarter festivities start, but the Gators were playing with a "nothing to lose" energy that was frankly terrifying for the Dawg Nation faithful.
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Breaking Down the Scoring
- First Quarter: Georgia jumped out early with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Stockton to Dillon Bell. Florida answered back quickly when DJ Lagway found Eugene Wilson III for a 40-yard bomb.
- Second Quarter: A total slugfest. Both teams traded field goals. 10-10 at the break.
- Third Quarter: Georgia took a 17-10 lead, but Florida refused to go away, tying it back up at 17-17 after a gritty 12-play drive.
- Fourth Quarter: This is where it got wild. Florida actually took a 20-17 lead off a massive 54-yard field goal by Trey Smack.
Georgia was trailing with less than eight minutes left. Let that sink in. The Bulldogs were on the verge of a season-ruining disaster.
Why the GA FLA Football Score Swung Late
The turning point wasn't a flashy pass or a lucky bounce. It was a brutal, old-school defensive stand. Florida had the ball on Georgia’s 18-yard line, facing a 4th-and-1. If they convert, they likely score a touchdown and go up by 10. Instead, Georgia’s Raylen Wilson and Elijah Griffin stuffed Jadan Baugh at the line.
That stop breathed life into a stagnant Georgia offense. Gunner Stockton, who finished with 223 yards and two touchdowns, suddenly found his rhythm. He connected with Zachariah Branch—who was an absolute monster with 10 catches for 112 yards—to move the chains.
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Then came the dagger. Chauncey Bowens, a redshirt freshman who had been waiting for his moment, found a crease in the Florida front. He didn't just find it; he exploded through it for a 36-yard touchdown run with 4:36 left on the clock.
The Controversy That Will Be Discussed for Years
Even after Bowens’ touchdown made it 24-20, Florida had one last gasp. DJ Lagway uncorked a deep ball to Eugene Wilson III on 4th down. The stadium went silent as Wilson went to the ground with the ball. From the stands, it looked like a catch. On the first replay, it looked like a catch.
The referees spent what felt like an eternity under the hood. Ultimately, they ruled the ball hit the ground. No catch. Game over. Gator fans were livid, claiming Wilson had his hands under the ball. Kirby Smart later admitted his team was "insanely lucky."
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Key Stats From the Matchup
- Total Yards: Georgia 361, Florida 281.
- Passing: Stockton (UGA) 223 yards; Lagway (UF) 166 yards.
- Rushing: Bowens (UGA) 70 yards on 9 carries.
- Top Receiver: Eugene Wilson III (UF) with 121 yards.
Historical Context: The Streak Continues
With this 24-20 victory, Georgia has now won five straight in the series. They lead the all-time rivalry 58-44-2 (depending on which school’s math you trust). Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs are a dominant 8-2 against the Gators.
But this wasn't the 43-20 blowout from 2023 or the 42-7 shellacking from 2017. This was a survival test. It exposed some real vulnerabilities in the Georgia offense—specifically an inconsistency that nearly cost them everything.
What This Means for the Future
If you're a Georgia fan, you're happy with the win but probably reaching for the antacids. The Bulldogs moved to 7-1, keeping their playoff hopes very much alive, but the "invincibility" factor is gone.
For Florida, it was a moral victory in a season of darkness. DJ Lagway showed he’s the real deal, and Eugene Wilson III proved he's one of the best receivers in the SEC when given the targets. They played for an interim coach and nearly toppled a top-5 giant.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Replay: If you haven't seen the 4th-and-1 stop or the "no catch" review, find the highlights. They define the 2025 season.
- Keep an Eye on the Venue: Remember, the game is moving. Because of renovations in Jacksonville, the 2026 game is headed to Atlanta and 2027 to Tampa.
- Monitor the Injuries: Georgia lost Jordan Hall to a knee injury during this game, which could be a massive blow to their defensive rotation moving forward.
The ga fla football score is more than just a result in a column. It’s a snapshot of a rivalry that refuses to get boring, even when one team seems light-years ahead of the other. Next year in Atlanta, expect the Gators to come out with even more of a chip on their shoulder.