Tennessee, Florida get into fight after cheap shot at end of game

Players from Florida and Tennessee got into a fight at the end of the Gators’ 29-16 win over the Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday night.

Florida was leading 29-16 with 9 seconds left and got ready to take a knee on 4th-and-16. Quarterback Graham Mertz took the snap and drifted around the backfield looking to run down the clock. He finally took a knee with around 6 seconds left and some Vols players approaching him. Defensive tackle Omari Thomas nailed Mertz with a cheap shot as he kneeled down. Some Florida players took exception and pushed Thomas, leading to a mini-scuffle.

Then near the end zone, two players literally put up their fists like they were ready to box.

Florida-Tennessee is BACK pic.twitter.com/fe8wpG0dEf

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) September 17, 2023

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel had a role in this as he called a timeout with under 10 seconds left, forcing the Gators to run an extra play.

The officials let the game go final after that play, giving the Gators a 29-16 win over their rivals. You can be sure that the SEC will take a look at that play for possible discipline.

Both teams are now 2-1.