Missouri routs No. 8 Gators; Notre Dame avoids an upset

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Missouri defeated No. 8 Florida 45-17, ending a nine-game losing streak against ranked teams with a strong offensive performance led by quarterback Austin Simmons and running back Jamal Roberts. This victory marked head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s first regular-season win over a top-10 opponent, boosting the Tigers to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play.

Missouri delivered a decisive 45-17 victory over No. 8 Florida on Saturday in Columbia, Missouri, breaking a nine-game losing streak against ranked opponents. The No. 25 Tigers improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Southeastern Conference play, while the Gators fell to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC.

Quarterback Austin Simmons led Missouri’s offense with 340 passing yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jamal Roberts contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Cayden Lee caught eight passes for 110 yards, while Donovan Olugbode and Caleb Goodie Jr. each found the end zone receiving. Missouri amassed a total of 560 yards in the game, showcasing a balanced and effective attack. The win marked head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s first regular-season victory over a top-10 opponent in 11 attempts.

Florida entered the matchup with one of the nation’s most productive offenses but struggled against Missouri’s defense. Quarterback Aaron Philo threw for 197 yards and one touchdown, but running back Jadan Baugh, who had earned early Heisman Trophy consideration after scoring 11 touchdowns in his first four games, was held to just 13 yards on 12 carries.

In a separate game, No. 3 Notre Dame secured a 37-26 win over North Carolina. Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr threw for four touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown as Notre Dame improved to 5-0 on the season. The Tar Heels, now 2-2, kept the game close through the first half, with a late second-quarter touchdown drive giving them a 21-14 lead.

Notre Dame’s momentum shifted after halftime, highlighted by a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jaden Jefferson in rainy conditions. The Fighting Irish responded with a series of composed drives, including a scoring possession to regain the lead and another early in the fourth quarter that extended their advantage to 14 points.

Both Missouri and Notre Dame demonstrated resilience and effectiveness on both sides of the ball, strengthening their positions as the college football season progresses.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.