Emmitt Smith Gains 316 Yards to Lead Florida

Emmitt Smith, Florida’s new career rushing leader, ran for a school-record 316 yards and three touchdowns in 31 carries Saturday, leading the 20th-ranked Gators to a 27-21 victory over New Mexico.

Smith, a junior, gained more than 200 yards for the second consecutive week and became Florida’s all-time leading rusher on a 72-yard touchdown burst in the second quarter.

Smith, who has run for 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, has 3,457 career yards. He also scored on runs of one yard and 12 yards as Florida (6-1) extended its winning streak to six games, including a 2-0 mark under interim coach Gary Darnell.

Smith’s effort overshadowed a 257-yard, three-touchdown passing performance by New Mexico’s Jeremy Leach, who rallied the Lobos from a 24-7 deficit in the final quarter. Leach completed 26 of 38 passes.

The Lobos (1-7) went home with the satisfaction of gaining 327 yards against the nation’s total defense leader.