Florida QB Graham Mertz scores a touchdown against Tennessee Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

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

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 9/16/23

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 nine seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and got ready to take a knee on fourth-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 six 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 scuffle, 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 rival. You can be sure that the SEC will take a look at that play for possible discipline.

Both teams are now 2-1.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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