Predictions: No. 5 Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns (7-1, 3-1) are back in action on Saturday following their second bye week of the season. They welcome Billy Napier’s Florida Gators (4-4, 2-3) who are coming off a 34-20 loss to Georgia in Gainsville last week.

The matchup between the ‘Horns and Gators is just the fourth in history and the first since 1940. Texas leads the series record 2-0-1.

In their last outing the Longhorns defeated No. 25 Vanderbilt 27-24, marking their ninth-straight road win.

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway was injured in the Georgia loss and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game in Austin.

Texas is favored by almost three touchdowns in this game (-20.5) but will Florida make things competitive or even possibly upset the Longhorns outright?

Our staff gives their score predictions and thoughts on the game.

Jameson McCausland (7-1)

On paper, this seems to be a bad matchup for Florida coming off a rivalry game where multiple key players exited with injury, including starting QB DJ Lagway. Billy Napier said on Monday that he was not ruling out Lagway for Texas, but it’s hard to imagine a guy who was carted off the field will be playing 7 days later.

For Texas, the Longhorns have to get back on track offensively. This has been an odd stretch of games where the Longhorns have moved the ball well for stretches but have also shot themselves in the foot far too often. This will be a key game for Quinn Ewers, who will be a full month removed from his injury and needs to start taking steps forward for Texas to get where they want to go.

Ultimately, I feel like the bye week came at the perfect time for Texas and having to potentially face Florida’s 3rd string QB only increases my confidence in this game. 

Score Prediction: Texas 35, Florida 13

Aaron Carrara (7-1)

Florida led Georgia at halftime last week in Gainsville proving they have the talent to compete against good teams. However the injury to quarterback DJ Lagway unfortunately hurt Billy Napier’s offense and their ability to move the ball. While Lagway has not been ruled out of Saturday’s contest, it is unlikely he will play. Even with Lagway, the Gator offense is facing a stingy Texas defense that has performed at a high level all season.

Quinn Ewers must return to form down the stretch for the Longhorns and Saturday offers a perfect opportunity for him to do so. Florida’s defense gives up nearly 382 yards per game and I expect Texas to exceed that. The Longhorns perform well at home, defeating opponents by an average of 31.2 points which is why I think they win big again against the Gators.

Score Prediction: Texas 41, Florida 17

Marc Henry (7-1)

As Texas prepares to host a banged-up Florida team in Austin this week, they’ll look to capitalize on the Gators’ injury challenges, especially with freshman quarterback DJ Lagway sidelined after an injury against Georgia. Florida will turn to freshman Aidan Warner under center, putting Texas in a prime position to apply pressure and test Warner’s poise and decision-making.

Defensively, Texas must be relentless in disrupting Florida’s passing game, which will be critical to forcing mistakes and controlling the tempo. Led by standouts like Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe, the Longhorns’ defense has the talent to challenge the Gators’ offensive rhythm and make big plays.

On the offensive side, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and his unit need to establish a rhythm early. Florida’s defense has shown vulnerability, giving up 25 points per game, which presents Texas with plenty of opportunities for explosive plays. By staying efficient and aiming to pull ahead quickly, Texas can put the Gators on their heels and take control of the game. A fast start and consistent execution on both sides of the ball will be key for Texas as they seek this crucial SEC win and a strong finish to the season.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Florida 14

Devon Messinger (7-1)

With an injury to Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, the Longhorns will host a Gators team that has been riddled with injuries. For Texas, it will be important to get off to a fast start and deprive Billy Napier’s squad from building any confidence.

After a week off, expect the Longhorns to bounce back in-style on Saturday.

Score Prediction: Texas 31, Florida 13

Dylan DeRaud (6-2)

After the bye week, Texas will have gotten a much needed rest. Key starters like Ewers, Bond, Barron and Mukuba will have had time to heal up going into the game against Florida. The Gators have been playing better football over their past 5 games, after a disappointing start. A key part of Florida’s turnaround has been the turnover battle as they have forced 10 turnovers in their last 5 games, including 3 against Georgia.

This will not be a cake walk for the Longhorns, who will need to play mistake free and disciplined football in order to take care of business. By doing so, Texas will likely take hold of this game quickly. The Gators’ defense has struggled stopping the run and the pass game too so expect the Longhorns to be able lean on a balanced dose of Ewers throwing and Jaydon Blue and Tre Wisner carrying the rock.

Score Prediction: Texas 34, Florida 17

Mitch Lovell (7-1)

With no DJ Lagway, Florida will struggle to move the ball on the Longhorns. Fresh off a bye week, Texas will be rested and I look for them to have their best offensive performance in SEC play to-date. The run game will get going and the Longhorns will finally see some explosive plays on offense.

Score Prediction: Texas 38, Florida 7