Putting an end to SEC drought
Hogs nab first league win over Gators since 1992
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rawleigh Williams rushed for 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Arkansas defeated No. 11 Florida for the first time since 1982 with a 31-10 victory Saturday.
The win is the first Southeastern Conference victory over the Gators for the Razorbacks (6-3, 2-3 SEC), who had lost nine straight to Florida since joining the league in 1992.
Arkansas’ last victory over the Gators (6-2, 4-2) came in the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl, and Saturday’s win came two weeks after a 56-3 loss to Auburn — a game in which the Razorbacks allowed 543 yards rushing by the Tigers.
“I thought our kids responded very, very well, going back to the Sunday after the game against Auburn,” Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said. “I felt they were really in a good frame of mind, ready to play.”
Williams finished with 26 carries for the Razorbacks, topping the 100-yard rushing mark for the fifth time this season. Austin Allen added 243 yards through the air and was 15-of-26 passing with a touchdown for Arkansas.
Santos Ramirez returned an interception 24 yards for the opening touchdown for the Razorbacks, who outgained Florida 466-241 in total yardage. The Gators’ only touchdown came on an interception return for a score by Duke Dawson, and they were held to a season-low 12 yards rushing on 14 carries.
Luke Del Rio was 19-of-37 passing for 229 yards for the Gators, also throwing two interceptions.
“We weren’t able to run the football, which is rough,” Florida coach Jim McElwain said.