3 Biggest X-Factors For Florida to Upset Texas This Week

The Florida Gators are entering their game against the Texas Longhorns this week, looking to break a two-game losing streak.

Over the last few weeks, the Gators have been blown off the field, dropping games in tough ways. After a hot start to the season, Florida has come down to earth, getting a reality check in the tough SEC.

As the team gets ready to face Texas, it won't be an easy game at all, with the Longhorns also coming off a loss last week. Texas is one of the best teams in the country, but if Florida can get a win, it could help them build some serious momentum for the rest of the season.

Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Gators to pull off the upset this week against the Longhorns.

1. Get Jadan Baugh Going Again

Through the first four weeks of the season, running back Jadan Baugh was in the Heisman Trophy conversation, putting up incredible numbers. But over the last few weeks, Baugh and the Gators' running game has been slowed down heavily, and it's led to a lot of problems for this offense.

For the season, Baugh has rushed for 672 yards and 12 touchdowns, giving the Gators a major boost on offense. In this game against the Longhorns, Florida has to get Baugh back into a rhythm early, setting the tone of the rest of the contest.

2. Secondary Holds Up

One of the bigger parts of this game will be how the Florida secondary holds up against the Texas offensive attack. Texas has legitimate playmakers on offense, with Ryan Wingo and Cam Coleman being true threats who could do damage against the Florida secondary. 

The Gators defense ranks 113th in scoring defense, and this will be an area that the Longhorns will try to exploit during the entire game. Florida is going to have to make sure that they can get to the quarterback to avoid the secondary being tested consistently.

3. Pressure Arch Manning

One way to get to Texas is to pressure quarterback Arch Manning early and often, forcing him to make bad decisions. Manning has a lot of talent, but he has been prone to making mistakes throughout his college career so far, potentially opening the door for the Gators to get some turnovers.

Florida has a chance to win this game, but if they allow Manning to get going early, it could be a very long game for this team.