COLUMBIA, Mo. (Interstat) — Austin Simmons threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, Jamal Roberts rushed for 211 yards and three scores, and Missouri defeated Florida 45-17 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. The announced attendance was 63,609. Missouri improved to 3-1, while Florida fell to 4-1 in the NCAA Football Bowl Division game.

Missouri’s offense started slowly but found its rhythm before halftime and then overwhelmed Florida after the break. The teams traded field goals early before Missouri’s passing game found gaps in Florida’s secondary. Florida opened the scoring with Patrick Durkin’s 20-yard field goal. Missouri answered with Blake Craig’s 32-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Simmons connected with Donovan Olugbode on a 47-yard touchdown pass. Florida responded when Aaron Philo found Dallas Wilson for a 12-yard touchdown. Simmons then hit Caleb Goodie Sr. for a 31-yard scoring strike, and Craig closed the first half with a 50-yard field goal. Craig also missed a 50-yard attempt in the second quarter, but Missouri still carried momentum into the locker room.

The Tigers took control in the third quarter. Roberts scored on a 5-yard run, and Craig added a 52-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Roberts powered in from 1 yard, then broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run. Missouri converted a two-point pass from Cayden Lee after the 1-yard score. Florida’s Tramell Jones Jr. threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to TJ Abrams with 47 seconds remaining, but the Gators could not close the gap. Missouri’s defense limited Florida’s offense for most of the second half and kept the visiting Gators from building any sustained momentum. Missouri’s lead grew steadily as the Tigers scored on four consecutive possessions spanning the third and fourth quarters. The Tigers’ defense forced Florida into long third downs and limited the Gators’ running game.

Simmons, a Miami native, completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran three times for 1 yard. His previous outing against Mississippi State included 295 passing yards and three touchdowns, and he was even more efficient Saturday while directing an offense that produced 45 points. Olugbode caught six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Goodie finished with two receptions for 67 yards and a score. Cayden Lee led Missouri’s receivers with eight catches for 110 yards. Naeshaun Montgomery added two receptions for 16 yards, Brett Norfleet had one catch for 11 yards, and Kenric Lanier II had one reception for 13 yards.

Florida’s Aaron Philo completed 21 of 34 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. He ran seven times for 3 yards. Tramell Jones Jr. completed all five of his pass attempts for 86 yards and one touchdown and added a 5-yard run. Bailey Stockton caught two passes for 25 yards. Micah Mays Jr. had one reception for 20 yards, Amir Jackson had one for 16 yards, and Evan Chieca, Kahleil Jackson and Lacota Dippre each recorded a reception. The Gators moved the ball in spots but could not match Missouri’s scoring pace. Florida’s offense had flashes, especially through Philo and Jones, but Missouri’s defense made the plays it needed in critical moments. Florida’s late touchdown came after Missouri had built a comfortable lead, but it did little to change the final result.

Roberts powered the Missouri ground game with 24 carries for 211 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 29 yards. Xai’Shaun Edwards added seven carries for 10 yards. Brunno Reus punted three times for 124 yards, and DaMarion Fowlkes returned two punts for 16 yards. The Missouri offense leaned heavily on Simmons and Roberts, who repeatedly converted key downs and kept Florida’s defense on the field. Missouri’s ability to run the ball effectively in the second half allowed Simmons to operate with space and helped the Tigers pull away.

Missouri’s defense received a game-high 11 tackles from Nicholas Rodriguez. Santana Banner added nine tackles, while Robert Woodyard Jr. had six. Sione Laulea, Jeremiah Beasley and Kensley Louidor-Faustin each recorded five tackles. Donta Simpson registered a tackle, a sack and a quarterback hurry. Jason Dowell had two tackles and a sack, and Sterling Webb finished with two tackles, a sack and two quarterback hurries. Daeden Hopkins recorded two quarterback hurries. Mark Hensley, Trajen Greco, Nick DeLoach Jr., CJ Bass III, Brian Huff, Jahlil Florence, Chris Graves Jr., Jude James, Jackson Hancock, Elijah Dotson, Dante McClellan, Cameron Keys, Marquis Gracial and Jayden McGregory also contributed tackles for the Tigers.

Florida’s defense was led by DJ Coleman with seven tackles. Jaden Robinson, Kamran James and Lagonza Hayward each had six tackles. Kamran James added a sack. Brendan Bett also finished with six tackles. The Gators struggled to contain Roberts and Simmons, especially after halftime, when Missouri’s offense turned short gains into explosive plays. Florida’s defensive front generated some pressure, but Missouri’s offensive line and running game wore down the Gators as the game progressed.

Missouri’s special teams also did its part. Craig made field goals of 32, 50 and 52 yards, though he missed a 50-yard attempt in the second quarter. Craig’s three field goals and four extra points accounted for 13 points for the Tigers. Reus averaged better than 41 yards per punt. The Tigers protected the ball and controlled field position, helping them pull away. Missouri’s kicking game gave the Tigers points when drives stalled, and the punt team forced Florida to work on long fields.

Florida entered the game having won its first four contests, including a high-scoring win over Ole Miss and a road victory at Auburn. Missouri had won two straight after a loss at Mississippi State. The Tigers’ victory gave them a 3-1 record and continued their strong start at home. Florida will look to rebound in its next game against South Carolina, while Missouri will host Texas A&M. Both teams remain in the thick of their conference schedules, and Missouri’s win over Florida could prove important as the season moves into October.

Interstat’s game simulator projected Missouri 41, Florida 28. Interstat’s ELO system gave Missouri a 62.8 percent pregame probability to win. Missouri had been installed as a 5.5-point favorite. The over/under line was 57.5, and the teams combined for 62 points.