Florida Gators Must Reestablish Run Game to Win Games

The Florida Gators shocked the country by starting the season 4-0 under their new head coach Jon Sumrall, including a win over the Ole Miss Rebels. However, since that win, it's gone downhill for the Gators, as they've lost their last two games to the Missouri Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks.

A significant factor in their losses has been the failure to establish Jadan Baugh and the run game. Baugh was incredible in the first four games, leading the offense and helping the Gators start 4-0. In the last two games, his numbers have dipped, as he had 13 yards on 12 carries against the Tigers and 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against the Gamecocks.

He is a contender to win the Heisman Trophy with the numbers he's put up, but will need to be stronger in the next few weeks after disappointing performances.

If Florida is going to get their offense going, they will need Baugh to be explosive and be the spark.

Baugh's consistency early in the season took pressure off quarterback Aaron Philo, allowing him to have solid games. Philo is in his first season as a starter and has completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions.

He is at his best playing off the strong run game, which the Gators will need to have any chance in their upcoming matchups against the No. 7 Texas Longhorns and No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs.

Florida's second running back, Duke Clark, could also play a role in reigniting the run game, as he's rushed for 265 yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries. With Baugh and Clark, the Gators have the talent to lean on the run game if the offensive line performs at a higher level.

Florida will face back-to-back challenging matchups as they take on two of the best programs in the country.

The Longhorns allowed 83 yards on the ground in their matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners last week, while the Bulldogs allowed 161 yards on the ground against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Texas and Georgia both have strong defenses, but they could be vulnerable to the run. 

Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner knows he needs to get Baugh and the rushing attack going again, and if they do so, the Gators could find themselves in position to win games and become a ranked program again before the season ends.