Texas will look to get up off the mat Saturday morning as they welcome the Florida Gators to Austin. Under first-year coach Jon Sumrall, Florida is off to a 3-2 start and is coming off back-to-back losses to Missouri and South Carolina.
Offense
A big storyline to watch in this game will be QB Aaron Philo’s health. It was reported Wednesday morning by Matt Zenitz that Philo has been limited in practice this week and is questionable ot play on Saturday. If Philo is unable to go, Tramell Jones Jr. will take over. Jones has thrown 29 passes this season, all in blowouts.
When Florida is clicking, the offense centers around RB Jaden Baugh. Baugh is averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry this year and already has 12 rushing touchdowns, but he has been held in check the last two weeks (27 combined carries for under 80 yards). Backup RB Duke Clark exited the South Carolina game with an injury.
Florida could be receiving a big boost in the WR room as standout Vernell Brown could return to action after missing the last two games. Brown caught 17 passes for 271 yards through the first 3 games of the season. Longhorn fans remember Dallas Wilson from last year’s game in Gainesville. The sophomore is having an excellent season (26 catches for 376 yards) after battling injuries as a freshman.
Defense
For as flashy as Florida has been on offense at times, the defense has been poor almost all season. The Gators rank outside the top 100 nationally in points allowed per game, total yards allowed per game, passing yards allowed, third down defense and opponent completion percentage.
One area in which the defense has been strong is creating negative plays. Florida has 17 sacks on the season, with 4.5 coming from defensive end Jayden Woods.
The secondary was considered a potential strength for Florida heading into the season, but the CB duo of Cormani McClain and Ben Hanks has struggled.
Special Teams
It is worth noting that Florida has a very good kicker and punter, and a sound special teams unit overall.
Texas has been shaky in the third phase all year.
Final Thoughts
The injury to Philo is a cloud that hangs over this matchup. If he is unable to go, you have to like the matchup of the Texas defense against the Florida offense.
For Texas offensively, it’s about establishing some sort of rhythm or identity against a team that has yet to stop anybody this year.
