Florida kicker Austin Hardin, who's been dealing with a leg injury for several weeks, came up clutch Saturday and the No. 10 Gators clinched the SEC East with an ugly 9-7 win over Vanderbilt.
Here's what you need to know:
- Hardin attempted just one field goal all game, and it came with 2:22 left in the fourth quarter and Florida trailing 7-6. With the pressure on, Hardin stepped up and delivered for the Gators, and the defense closed it out from there.
- Prior to Hardin's game-saver, Florida's kicking problems were out in full force, as the Gators had to rely on midseason walk-on Neil MacInnes.
- Florida and Vanderbilt both struggled to establish any kind of offensive rhythm. Treon Harris was just 12-for-24 for 158 yards and a pick for the Gators, while Johnny McCrary was a woeful 3-for-14 for 30 yards.
- Florida defensive lineman Jordan Sherit was ejected for targeting late in the fourth quarter, and will have to sit out the first half of next week's game against South Carolina.
- Florida made life difficult for itself. In addition to Harris' pick, the Gators fumbled away three possessions.
- In the first quarter, Florida running back Kelvin Taylor scored his 11th rushing touchdown of the year. The last Gator to score 11 rushing touchdowns in a single season was Trey Burton in 2010.
Play of the Game
Willis Reed. Kirk Gibson. Austin Hardin.
The Gators (8-1) will now prepare for their final conference game of the regular season against South Carolina on Nov. 14. Vanderbilt (3-6) will host Kentucky on the same day.