SEC Power Rankings, Week 11: Alabama back on top with big win vs LSU

Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators place kicker Austin Hardin (16) is congratulated by linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) and teammates after kicking the go ahead 43-yard field goal during the fourth quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida defeated Vanderbilt 9-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t pretty, but the Florida Gators survived a scare Saturday at The Swamp and beat Vanderbilt 9-7 to clinch the SEC East. The win means Florida will appear in the SEC Championship Game for the first time since 2009, and they got it done in the first season of head coach Jim McElwain’s tenure in Gainesville.

Other than the 74-yard touchdown run the Gators allowed to Ralph Webb (which was the longest play any Florida defense allowed dating back to 2011), the Florida defense was dominant. Vanderbilt gained just 175 total yards of offense, including just 30 passing yards. Though Florida did not force a turnover, the pass defense allowed only three completions on 14 pass attempts and recorded five sacks.

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The Gators struggled offensively, and gained just 258 total yards for the game – only 57 of which came after halftime. Quarterback Treon Harris completed 12 of 24 pass attempts for 158 yards and tossed his first interception of the season. Harris gained 34 rushing yards on eight carries (including three sacks).

Running back Kelvin Taylor was held in check most of the afternoon also, but he did gain 47 rushing yards on 21 carries and scored the only touchdown of the afternoon for the Gators on a three-yard run in the first quarter.

Plagued by kicking issues this season, Florida missed the extra point. However, the Gators connected when it counted most. Austin Hardin’s 43-yard field goal with 2:22 left on the clock clinched the division title.

Next Game: Saturday November 15 at South Carolina

Next: Alabama