WATCH: Malik Davis rumbles into end zone for third quarter touchdown
It has been a back-and-forth game in the Gasparilla Bowl, and a touchdown run from Malik Davis just gave Florida back momentum. With his team just inside the red zone, the running back rumbled 19 yards into the end zone to put his team up 17-16 on UCF.
It was the fifth lead change of the game with 7:57 still left in the third quarter.
Florida struck first one a 2-yard run from Dameon Pierce to cap off an eight-play, 58-yard drive and take the first lead. But a touchdown, missed PAT and converted field goal later, UCF was up 9-7. The Gators would kick a field goal of their own to go up 10-9 before the half.
The Knights responded with a touchdown to open the second half and take a 16-10 advantage. After Davis’ touchdown, UCF would kick another field goal to go up 19-17 and mark the game’s sixth lead change.
Davis has been a key member of the Florida backfield for the past two seasons. The fifth-year player was third on the team in rushing with 401 yards and four touchdowns on 85 carries.
A native of Tampa, he arrived on the Gators campus in 2017. He came as the No. 35 running back in the country according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
In his five seasons in Gainesville, Davis has accumulated 1,386 yards rushing to go with seven touchdowns on 277 carries. He also has 70 catches for 726 yards receiving and a pair of scores.
With a little under eight minutes left in the game, UCF holds a 26-17 lead and the ball. Florida will need a defensive stop and perhaps another touchdown from Malik Davis if it hopes to stand a chance.
The Gators are seeking their first bowl win since 2019, when they defeated Virginia in the Orange Bowl.