The game everyone expected to be a cakewalk turned out tougher than nails as Furman came into Gainesville and gave the Florida Gators all they could handle for the better part of three quarters. The Paladins were still in a one-possession game with 13 minutes to play, but De'Ante "Pop" Saunders sealed the victory with a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving the Gators cushion en route to a 54-32 win.

The Paladins led 15-0 to start the first 10 minutes of the game, but the Gators used the deep ball to get back in it. Senior quarterback John Brantley threw for a career-best 329 yards passing with four touchdowns, while wide receiver Andre Debose also set new career-bests in longest reception (80-yard touchdown in the second quarter), touchdowns (2), and yards (151).

The defense gave up 233 yards rushing to Furman, but buckled down in the final quarter with two turnovers returned for touchdowns, including Jelani Jenkins' 75-yard pick six to cap the scoring.

Florida became bowl eligible for the 21st consecutive season with the win, and now welcome Florida State to the Swamp next weekend to rekindle one of the best rivalries in college football.