Arkansas beats Florida for first time since 1982

Arkansas' Austin Allen (8) looks to hand off during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker)
Arkansas' Austin Allen (8) looks to hand off during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Rawleigh Williams rushed for 148 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Arkansas defeated No. 10 Florida for the first time since 1982 with a 31-10 victory on Saturday.

The win is the first Southeastern Conference victory over the Gators for the Razorbacks (6-3, 2-3 SEC), who had lost nine straight to Florida since joining the league in 1992.

Arkansas' last victory over the Gators (6-2, 4-2, No. 11 CFP) came in the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl.

Williams finished with 26 carries for the Razorbacks, topping the 100-yard rushing mark for the fifth time this season. Austin Allen added 243 yards through the air and was 15-of-26 passing with a touchdown for Arkansas.

Santos Ramirez returned an interception 24 yards for the opening touchdown for the Razorbacks, who outgained Florida 466-241 in total yardage. The Gators only touchdown came on an interception return for a score by Duke Dawson, and they were held to a season-low 12 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Luke Del Rio was 19-of-37 passing for 229 yards for the Gators, also throwing two interceptions.

The Razorbacks finished with 223 yards rushing overall, a marked improvement after totaling 25 yards on 31 carries in a 56-3 loss to No. 11 Auburn two weeks ago. Freshman Devwah Whaley added 66 yards on the ground on 14 carries.

Senior wide receiver Drew Morgan led Arkansas seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

THE TAKEAWAY

If there was any doubt left about the dominance of the SEC West vs. the East this season, this should put an end to that once and for all. The West was 8-1 against the East entering Saturday, and every team in the West now has a victory this season over an East opponent.

UP NEXT

Florida returns home for the first time since Oct. 15 when it hosts South Carolina next week.

Arkansas closes out its home schedule next week by hosting No. 13 LSU, which it has defeated in each of the last two seasons.

Upcoming Events