Tough night: Gators crushed by Missouri, UCF falls to Houston

It was a difficult Saturday for two of Florida’s major college football programs, as the Florida Gators suffered a stunning 45–17 loss to Missouri, while UCF fell 27–17 to Houston.

Missouri 45, Florida 17

The biggest shock came in Columbia, Missouri, where No. 8 Florida entered the game undefeated at 4–0 but was overwhelmed by No. 25 Missouri.

The game was close early. Florida opened the scoring with a field goal and the teams were tied 3–3 after the first quarter. But Missouri began taking control in the second quarter, building a 20–10 halftime advantage.

From there, the Tigers pulled away.

Missouri outscored Florida 25–7 in the second half and finished with an impressive 560 yards of total offense compared with Florida’s 325.

Running back Jamal Roberts was the star of the night for Missouri, rushing for 211 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. His biggest moment came in the fourth quarter when he broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run that helped turn the game into a rout.

Quarterback Austin Simmons also delivered a huge performance, completing 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

Florida’s offense struggled to establish its running game. Jadan Baugh, in particular, was held to just 13 rushing yards on 12 carries.

The 45–17 defeat gives Florida its first loss of the season and drops the Gators to 4–1. Missouri improves to 4–1.

Houston 27, UCF 17

UCF’s defeat was very different — and perhaps more frustrating.

The Knights appeared to be in control for much of the afternoon in Houston.

UCF led 7–0 after the first quarter, 10–0 at halftime and then extended its advantage to 17–0 during the third quarter.

But everything changed from there.

No. 20 Houston responded with 27 unanswered points, scoring 14 in the third quarter and another 13 in the fourth to complete a dramatic 27–17 comeback.

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman did much of the damage with his legs, rushing for three touchdowns while also throwing for 239 yards.

UCF quarterback Keyone Jenkins finished with 253 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one interception. Josh Derry led the Knights’ receivers with 101 yards and a touchdown.

UCF finished with 332 total yards compared with Houston’s 393, but the Knights could not find another point after taking their 17–0 lead.

The comeback moves Houston to 4–1, while UCF falls to 3–2.

Miami Still Playing

Florida’s college football night is not over yet.

No. 4 Miami is playing Clemson in Saturday night’s marquee matchup, so that result is not included as final here.

For Florida fans, though, two results are already in — and neither went their way: Florida 17, Missouri 45; UCF 17, Houston 27.