COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Anthony Richardson was Anthony Richardson once again, but Florida’s defense finally found itself, too.
Texas A&M could not contain Richardson’s dual-threat talents during the Gators’ decisive 41-24 SEC road win, the first for new coach Billy Napier and for Florida since 2020.
Florida’s defense joined in the fun at clamorous Kyle Field to silence a crowd of 97,797 and end a two-game skid.
The much-maligned unit augmented Richardson’s four-touchdown day by slowing down and shutting out the Aggies during the game’s final 30 minutes.
“Could have easily got frustrated, but that locker room … stuck together,” Napier said. “Just really proud of the overall response here.”
Prospects appeared bleak for Florida (5-4, 2-4 SEC) after two failed possessions sandwiched a quick touchdown by Texas A&M (3-6, 1-5 SEC). Trailing 24-20 at halftime after six lead changes, the Gators had lost momentum while the Aggies would get back the ball to open the second half.
The message in the locker room was clear.
“A little bit of tough love,” veteran linebacker Ventrell Miller said.
The Aggies soon received a healthy dose of defensive malevolence.
The SEC’s worst third-down defense stopped Texas A&M on five straight conversion attempts after intermission, culminating with a strip sack by Princely Umanmielen. The native of nearby Manor came flying off the edge to suffocate Haynes King at the Florida 27 with around 11 minutes remaining and the Gators leading 34-24.
The Aggies’ next possession ended on another King fumble, this time caused by Antwuan Powell-Ryland Jr. The sophomore shined while stepping in after veteran Brenton Cox Jr.’s dismissal Monday.
“Great to see him step up and do big things that impacted the game,” Napier said.
Richardson’s ability to impact games is well documented. Ditto the redshirt sophomore’s inconsistency during his first season as a starter.
On Saturday, Richardson showcased his skill set against a young, vulnerable defense missing two injured veterans, including All-American safety Antonio Johnson. Richardson totaled 279 yards and accounted for two touchdowns each passing and running, highlighted by a 60-yard run.
“I’ve always been able to run the ball, pass the ball,” the 20-year-old said. “Just coming out today and being successful with those things, it feels pretty good for us.”
The flu left the Aggies without promising 5-star freshman Connor Weigman, who passed for 338 yards and four scores a week earlier against Ole Miss, and starting offensive lineman Kam Newberry.
Texas A&M did not skip a beat early on, beginning with a 65-yard run by Devon Achane on his team’s first snap.
A shootout between the teams ensued until King and the Aggies eventually began firing blanks.
“We started off flat-footed,” Miller said. “We just got the boys motivated second half and everybody did their job. We showed them how the Florida Gators defense can play.”
Florida fans, muffled much of the day by Texas A&M’s famous “12th Man,” eventually had their say, chanting, “It’s great to be a Florida Gator.”
A bowl bid is one win away, but Napier is thinking much bigger.
“It’s great to go to a bowl,” he said. “We’ve got bigger aspirations than that. The main thing that I’m probably most excited about is the progress we’ve made with those people. I could care less about anything but continuing that progress, that momentum, that brotherhood, those relationships.
“If you get that right, the football comes with it.”
Good football arrived when the Gators needed it against coach Jimbo Fisher’s free-falling Aggies, losers of five straight.
While better days are likely ahead, this was pretty good one, too.
While discussing his big day, Richardson knew he was missing out.
“If you could see those guys in there, you’d probably think it’s a block party in there,” he said of the Florida locker room. “Everybody is having fun, smiling. It’s a blessing for us.”
