GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Zach Carter made his way to one corner of the Swamp and found himself celebrating alongside the Florida band.
His next move? Directing, of course.
"I stayed on beat!" said Carter, one of 27 seniors playing their final game at Florida Field.
It was a fitting end for Carter and the Gators, who finally found some rhythm after a two-month roller-coaster ride that included coach Dan Mullen's firing.
Anthony Richardson came off the bench and led the Gators to a 24-21 victory over rival Florida State on Saturday that made them bowl eligible a week after Mullen's dismissal. Florida had lost nine of its previous 11 games against Football Bowl Subdivision teams.
Richardson replaced turnover-prone Emory Jones early in third quarter and completed 5 of 7 passes for 55 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown to Justin Shorter that gave the Gators (6-6) some breathing room in a tight game.
Dameon Pierce took over from there, going untouched for a 2-yard score after running around and through the Seminoles (5-7). His touchdown came four plays after getting penalized 15 yards for continuing to participate without a helmet. Pierce finished with 62 yards on the ground.
The Seminoles scored to make it close in the final minutes, but they badly botched an onside kick. Parker Grothaus essentially whiffed trying to hit the top of the ball, barely brushing it and knocking it off the tee. Florida took over and ran out the clock for their third straight victory in the series.
Georgia 45, Georgia Tech 0
ATLANTA -- Stetson Bennett passed for 255 yards and four touchdowns, two to tight end Brock Bowers, and Georgia finished its undefeated regular season by overwhelming Georgia Tech.
Georgia (12-0) gained momentum for next week's much-anticipated Southeastern Conference championship game against No. 3 Alabama in Atlanta. It is the first undefeated regular season for the Bulldogs since 1982, when they capped a streak of three consecutive SEC championships with tailback Herschel Walker.
Georgia, which began the day leading the nation with its averages of 7.5 points and 236 yards allowed, posted its third shutout while giving up only 171 yards.
Bowers had a 77-yard touchdown catch, and Kenny McIntosh added a 59-yard scoring run. Bowers, a freshman, also scored on a 9-yard catch. He has 10 touchdown receptions, a school record for tight ends.
Georgia Tech (3-9) finished with three wins for the third consecutive season under coach Geoff Collins.
Tennessee 45, Vanderbilt 21
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Hendon Hooker threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 75 yards to lead Tennessee to a season-ending Southeastern Conference victory over Vanderbilt.
Jabari Small rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns as the Volunteers (7-5, 4-4) grabbed bragging rights over their intrastate rival Commodores (2-10, 0-8).
Tennessee receiver Cedric Tillman caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns,
After taking a hit on an option play, Hooker left the game with 8:03 left in the fourth quarter holding his left hand. He was replaced by Joe Milton.
The Vols and their high-octane offense had their six scoring drives total 11 minutes, 26 seconds time of possession.
Commodores quarterback Mike Wright collected 198 passing yards and a TD. Rocko Griffin rushed for 104 yards and a score.
Vanderbilt waited until the last play of the first half for its only highlight. Down 24-0, Wright heaved a desperation pass 56 yards and, with three Vols around him, Will Sheppard hauled it in in the end zone.