Demps scores twice, Florida beats Vanderbilt 26-21

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Jeff Demps ran for a career-high 158 yards and two touchdowns, shouldering the load because of Chris Rainey's ankle injury, and Florida beat Vanderbilt 26-21 Saturday to end a four-game skid.

The Gators now have won 21 in a row against the Commodores, extending their dominance in a series that has been one-sided since 1989.

The latest one was one of the closest in recent years.

Florida (5-4, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) led 17-0 at halftime and could have been up more had it not been for a missed field goal and a fumble at the goal line. But Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-5) scored on consecutive drives in the second half, cutting the lead to 20-14, and had a chance to move ahead.

It didn't happen. Florida took advantage of two penalties to keep a drive alive, and Demps went untouched for a 52-yard score with 2:13 remaining.