In a thrilling Week 7 SEC matchup, No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Florida Gators 23-17 in overtime, thanks to Dylan Sampson’s 1-yard touchdown run. Sampson’s score, his third touchdown of the night, sealed the Volunteers’ victory at home, bringing their record to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Southeastern Conference.
This game marked just the second time in Tennessee’s history that they have played an overtime game. Their first came during the 1998 season when they went on to win the national championship. On this occasion, the Volunteers outlasted a resilient Florida team, which fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in SEC play.
The game reached overtime after a dramatic sequence late in the fourth quarter. Florida’s freshman quarterback, DJ Lagway, threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Chimere Dike with just 29 seconds remaining, tying the game at 17. The Gators initially lined up for a potential game-winning two-point conversion but opted for an extra point following a Tennessee timeout, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Florida had the first possession, but their kicker Trey Smack missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, giving Tennessee a chance to win. The Volunteers capitalized on the opportunity, with Sampson capping a drive with a powerful 1-yard touchdown run to secure the victory.
Dylan Sampson was the star of the game for Tennessee, rushing for 112 yards and three touchdowns. He played a crucial role in the Volunteers’ comeback, including a pivotal 23-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave Tennessee a temporary lead.
This go-ahead score was set up by a strong defensive stand, as Tennessee’s defense forced Florida to punt from their own end zone, giving the Volunteers excellent field position. Sampson’s efforts on the ground allowed Tennessee to capitalize and take the lead in a hard-fought contest.
The game began as a defensive struggle, with Florida taking a 3-0 lead into halftime. The Gators had opportunities to extend their advantage but faltered at critical moments. Just before halftime, Florida reached Tennessee’s 1-yard line, but a fumble ended the scoring chance. Additionally, an illegal substitution penalty on a field goal attempt triggered a 10-second runoff, nullifying potential points for the Gators.
Florida’s fortunes took a turn in the third quarter when they extended their lead to 10-0. Graham Mertz connected with Arlis Boardingham for a 13-yard touchdown pass, but Mertz suffered a left leg injury on the play when his foot caught in the turf, forcing him to exit the game.
With Mertz sidelined, Lagway stepped in and kept the Gators competitive, but he also made a critical mistake, throwing an interception that set up Tennessee’s Max Gilbert for a game-tying 35-yard field goal.
Tennessee’s ability to stay composed and capitalize on Florida’s mistakes proved crucial. After being held scoreless in the first half, the Volunteers found their rhythm in the second, scoring 23 points behind Sampson’s relentless running and timely defensive stops.
The win keeps Tennessee in the hunt for the SEC title and helps erase memories of their earlier season loss. Meanwhile, Florida faces questions about its offense after Mertz’s injury, though Lagway showed promise in leading the Gators’ late-game comeback attempt.
As the SEC season progresses, this game will stand as a testament to Tennessee’s resilience and Dylan Sampson’s breakout performance, which lifted the Volunteers to a hard-fought victory over their conference rivals.
