GAINESVILLE — Florida football awoke from a recurring nightmare with seconds on the clock.
The Gators defense was once again put on the spot as Mississippi State (4-3, 0-3 SEC) regained control of the ball with less than a minute to go and UF holding a slight lead. A month ago, the same last-minute drive resulted in a loss to USF. This time was different.
Florida’s Michai Boireau snagged a stray pass from Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen, and the Gators walked away with a 23-21 win.
On the sidelines, quarterback DJ Lagway approached Boireau and said he could “get up and give [him] a kiss.” As the defensive lineman walked through the tunnel with the game ball held high, fans erupted in cheers.
Boireau was one of the five defensive players who stepped up to help a Florida team, which struggled to produce on offense, come out with a win.
“The young guys, they’re very intentional about learning from the elders and the vets. They can look at little things that the vets do, they can critique their craft,” Boireau said. “We feel confident with them on the field, whoever it is, honestly.”
The Gators’ 3-4 (2-2 SEC) record shows a team spinning in the mud without progress. The team heads into the bye week with two wins, a loss to Texas A&M, and a season on track for the worst one since 2013.
But, the defense has kept the team afloat despite the failures of the rest of the team. Battled and bruised, Florida lost defensive backs Devin Moore and Sharif Denson early in the game against the Bulldogs.
Suddenly, less seasoned defensive backs entered the game.
“We’ve been talking about this situation, this scenario, every week, holding our breath,” coach Billy Napier said. “We’ve been giving them reps. We’ve been coaching ’em, developing ’em so they could be ready when they get this opportunity, so hats off to that crew for stepping up, making some plays.”
Walk-on senior Alfonzo Allen Jr. recorded 15 tackles, including eight solo. Freshman Lagonza Hayward recorded six tackles with 2.5 for loss. Before the game, he had only recorded one tackle across six games. Freshman back Ben Hanks III recorded five solo tackles in his first collegiate football game. Redshirt freshman Jamroc Grimsley also saw action for just the second time this season.
Freshman J’Vari Flowers shone the brightest in the fourth quarter. The defensive back broke up two passes and helped Allen take down a Mississippi State receiver in Florida territory.
Of all the freshman backs, only one — Grimsley — is older than 20, according to 247Sports.
“It means a lot because I’m playing for my guys. I love them boys, and I’ll do whatever it takes for them,” Allen said.
None made as big an impact as Boireau, who single-handedly stopped the Bulldogs from winning. The sophomore attributed his ball awareness to playing basketball and as a middle linebacker growing up.
As Boireau walked up the ramp to leave the press conference, one of the media members asked if he would keep the game ball. A huge smile crossed the sophomore’s face, and he nodded. Yes, he would.
“Last time I had an interception was probably in high school. That doesn’t compare to this one. I guarantee you that,” he said.
Florida defensive tackle Michai Boireau (93) runs after intercepting a Mississippi State pass in the final moments on Saturday in Gainesville. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
