The Florida Gators continued their surge through the heart of the season with a statement road victory in Week 8, taking down the Oklahoma Sooners in a dramatic overtime finish. Entering the matchup riding a four-game winning streak, Florida showed poise, resilience, and star power to escape Norman with a hard-fought win.
Florida controlled much of the contest from the opening kickoff, dictating tempo and building momentum on both sides of the ball. However, Oklahoma refused to fold, mounting a furious fourth-quarter comeback that erased Florida’s lead and forced the game into overtime in front of a raucous home crowd.
When the pressure peaked, Florida’s young talent answered.
In overtime, freshman defender John Bee delivered the defining moment on defense, bursting through the line for a massive sack that pushed Oklahoma backward and ultimately forced the Sooners to settle for a field goal. That stop proved pivotal. When Florida got the ball back, the offense wasted no time, punching in the game-winning touchdown to secure the road victory.
Overeem Continues His Breakout Season
Freshman quarterback Reshard Overeem once again looked unfazed by the moment, delivering one of his most complete performances of the season. Overeem finished 36-of-47 for 318 yards and three passing touchdowns, while throwing just one interception. He also made his presence felt on the ground, carrying the ball 16 times for 91 yards and adding a crucial rushing touchdown.
Overeem’s ability to extend plays and punish defenses with his legs kept Oklahoma off balance all night and proved vital in critical moments.
Offensive Weapons Step Up
The Gators’ rushing attack complemented Overeem well, with Duke Clark turning in a strong outing of his own. Clark carried the ball 13 times for 79 yards and a touchdown, providing balance and helping Florida control possession.
At tight end, Dorian Fleming continued what has become a remarkable season. Though limited in yardage with six catches for 20 yards, Fleming was lethal in the red zone, hauling in three receiving touchdowns and once again proving to be one of Overeem’s most trusted targets near the goal line.
On the outside, junior Jaylen Mbakwe led all receivers with 71 yards on four catches, stretching the field and creating space for Florida’s offense to operate.
Defense Delivers When It Matters Most
Florida’s defense bent but never broke, delivering clutch plays when the game hung in the balance. The secondary played a key role, led by Jalen Atwell, who finished with eight tackles, and Christian Bodnar, who consistently disrupted the backfield with three tackles for loss.
The pass rush came alive at critical times, with Jayden Woods and John Bee each recording 1.5 sacks, including Bee’s overtime sack that shifted the outcome of the game.
In the final defensive stand, cornerback Jvari Flowers made a massive impact, breaking up a pass in overtime that helped seal Oklahoma’s fate and set the stage for Florida’s walk-off score.
What’s Next
With the win, Florida extends its winning streak to five games and continues to strengthen its position in the national picture. However, the challenge only grows tougher.
Next up is an SEC heavyweight showdown against Alabama, a matchup that will test everything this Gators team has built so far. If Florida hopes to maintain its Top 10 ranking and keep its SEC Championship Game aspirations alive, it will need another complete performance — and perhaps a few more clutch moments — when the lights shine brightest once again.
