Florida @ Texas Preview And Prediction

No. 7 Texas looks to bounce back against Florida after a devastating loss to Oklahoma. Can Arch Manning silence his critics and save the Longhorns’ season?

No. 7 Texas (4-1) returns home Saturday afternoon to face Florida (4-2) in a massive SEC matchup between two programs desperate for a bounce-back victory.

The Longhorns are coming off an embarrassing 27-24 loss to Oklahoma, while Florida was dominated 38-19 at home by South Carolina.

Both teams entered the season with championship aspirations, but another loss could seriously damage their College Football Playoff hopes.

And for Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the pressure has never been higher.

Texas: It’s Time for Arch Manning to Deliver

Manning entered the season as one of the Heisman Trophy favorites, but his performances have been anything but consistent.

Through five games, Manning has thrown for 1,122 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Against Oklahoma, he completed 19 of 31 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns, but two costly fourth-quarter interceptions helped the Sooners erase a 17-7 halftime deficit.

The Longhorns are averaging just 379.2 yards per game, ranking 79th nationally. That’s simply unacceptable considering the offensive talent Steve Sarkisian has assembled.

However, Saturday presents an excellent opportunity to get things back on track.

Florida’s defense is allowing 393 yards and 29 points per game, including an alarming 268.7 passing yards per contest.

Wide receiver Cam Coleman, who has 318 receiving yards and five touchdowns, should have opportunities to create explosive plays against a struggling Gators secondary.

Defensively, Texas has been outstanding, allowing just 16 points and 96 rushing yards per game. Edge rusher Colin Simmons has been nearly unstoppable, recording 9.5 sacks.

Florida: Can Jadan Baugh Save the Gators?

Florida’s offense has actually been impressive this season, averaging 41.7 points and 473.8 yards per game.

Quarterback Aaron Philo has thrown for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions, while receiver Dallas Wilson has recorded 376 yards and three touchdowns.

However, the biggest storyline is running back Jadan Baugh.

Baugh has rushed for 672 yards and 12 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the SEC’s most productive backs.

Unfortunately, his production has slowed considerably.

Over Florida’s last two games, Baugh has managed just 72 rushing yards, including 59 yards on 15 carries against South Carolina.

That’s a major concern considering Texas possesses one of the nation’s best rushing defenses.

Florida also defeated Texas 29-21 last season, meaning the Gators have already proven they’re capable of beating Sarkisian’s program.

But winning in Austin will be a completely different challenge.

How Each Team Wins

For Texas, the formula starts with protecting Manning and establishing an early rhythm through the passing game.

The Longhorns must take advantage of Florida’s vulnerable secondary while allowing their defensive front to disrupt Philo and contain Baugh.

For Florida, everything revolves around getting Baugh going early. If the Gators can establish their rushing attack, they’ll have opportunities to control possession and keep Manning on the sidelines.

Defensively, Florida must force Manning into mistakes, something Oklahoma successfully accomplished last weekend.

Prediction

I expect Texas to respond with a much more disciplined performance following its disappointing loss to Oklahoma.

Manning should have opportunities to attack Florida’s secondary, but I’m still not convinced he’s capable of consistently dominating SEC competition.

Expect a solid, rather than spectacular, performance from the Texas quarterback.

The biggest difference will be Texas’ defense.

With Simmons creating pressure and the Longhorns limiting Baugh’s rushing opportunities, Florida will struggle to sustain drives throughout the afternoon.

I expect the Gators to keep things competitive early, but Texas will gradually take control in the second half.

Final Score: No. 7 Texas 27, Florida 17

Texas gets back in the win column, improves to 5-1, and keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive. However, questions surrounding Manning and the Longhorns’ offensive consistency aren’t going away anytime soon.

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