Chauncey Gardner Jr. sprints onto the field Saturday holding a Florida state flag. (Photo: Greenberry Taylor/UAA Communications)
Gators Climb In AP Top 25 following win over Vols
Sunday, September 17, 2017 | Football, Scott Carter
Florida moves up to No. 20 after its walk-off win over Tennessee on Saturday.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The Gators' final play of Saturday's 26-20 win over Tennessee was worth four spots in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.
Florida (1-1, 1-0 in Southeastern Conference) climbed to No. 20 from 24th in the new poll, released at 2 p.m. Sunday. Florida knocked off the then-No 23 ranked Vols (2-1, 0-1) for the seventh consecutive time at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The ending is all that will be remembered in the history books. With the game tied 20-20 and nine seconds left, Florida redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks avoided a rush in the pocket, rolled right and then connected with receiver Tyrie Cleveland for a 63-yard game-winning touchdown.
The Swamp exploded as the Gators won their home opener for the 28th consecutive season.
"I think it's a really big game for the players' confidence,'' Franks said. "It's a great win for the players and the fans. They deserve that most. It was a really fun way to end the game."
Florida plays at Kentucky on Saturday in search of its 31st consecutive win over the Wildcats.
Alabama remains at No. 1, followed by Clemson, Oklahoma, Penn State and USC. The Gators and Alabama are joined by Georgia (No. 11), Auburn (15th), Mississippi State (17th) and LSU (25th) from the SEC. Tennessee dropped out of the poll.
In the new USA Today/Amway Coaches Poll, Florida is ranked 22nd.
Florida (1-1, 1-0 in Southeastern Conference) climbed to No. 20 from 24th in the new poll, released at 2 p.m. Sunday. Florida knocked off the then-No 23 ranked Vols (2-1, 0-1) for the seventh consecutive time at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
The ending is all that will be remembered in the history books. With the game tied 20-20 and nine seconds left, Florida redshirt freshman quarterback Feleipe Franks avoided a rush in the pocket, rolled right and then connected with receiver Tyrie Cleveland for a 63-yard game-winning touchdown.
The Swamp exploded as the Gators won their home opener for the 28th consecutive season.
"I think it's a really big game for the players' confidence,'' Franks said. "It's a great win for the players and the fans. They deserve that most. It was a really fun way to end the game."
Florida plays at Kentucky on Saturday in search of its 31st consecutive win over the Wildcats.
Alabama remains at No. 1, followed by Clemson, Oklahoma, Penn State and USC. The Gators and Alabama are joined by Georgia (No. 11), Auburn (15th), Mississippi State (17th) and LSU (25th) from the SEC. Tennessee dropped out of the poll.
In the new USA Today/Amway Coaches Poll, Florida is ranked 22nd.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
QB
/ FootballPlay Breakdown presented by Tower Hill Insurance (November 19, 2025)
Wednesday, November 19
Play Breakdown presented by Tower Hill Insurance 11-19-25
Wednesday, November 19
Gator Insider presented by Talon Wealth (November 18, 2025)
Tuesday, November 18
Inside Gators Football presented by UF Health (November 18, 2025)
Tuesday, November 18
