Game of the Week: Florida and Texas Look To Re-Establish Dominance in SEC

The matchup between the No. 7 Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators has high stakes, but in a more pressing way than it felt a few weeks back.

Both teams are dealing with a fall from grace looking to get back on track of things.

The Gators started off hot with a 4-0 start, and a marquee win over the then-No. 4 Ole Miss Rebels. Things were gaining real momentum under new head coach Jon Sumrall.

They then suffered back-to-back losses against the Missouri Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks that dropped them out of the AP Top 25 after climbing all the way to No. 8 from defeating the Rebels.

The Gators are also starting their backup quarterback, Tramell Jones Jr., as starter Aaron Philo has a shoulder injury.

Meanwhile, Texas was atop the college football world at No. 1 with an undefeated 4-0 start under signal caller Arch Manning. They had marquee wins over then-No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes that vaulted them to the top of the nation in the AP Top 25.

A tough Red River loss to the Oklahoma Sooners dropped them all the way to No. 7.

Both teams will have a chip on their shoulder heading into this matchup.

We reached out to our Florida Roundtable writer Jordon Lawrenz and Texas Roundtable publisher Mike Fisher to answer five key questions ahead of the Big Ten showdown.

Longhorns RTB: The Longhorns’ season from this point forward may depend upon their ability to show urgency on offense. Arch Manning must be aggressive and confident, but Steve Sarkisian must put him in those opportunities to succeed early on.

Gators RTB: Without a doubt, the biggest story is Tramell Jones starting at quarterback. It’s not like Aaron Philo has led the team to wins each of the last two weeks, but obviously the Gators would prefer to have their QB1 out there against one of the top teams in the nation. 

Longhorns RTB: Whether or not Aaron Philo is available for the Gators, Texas must rely on its defensive front wreaking havoc. The Horns have the edge already with Florida’s quarterback situation being an uncertainty. Texas’ offensive line must also assert itself, as the Gators sacked Manning six times in Florida’s win in Gainesville last year.

Gators RTB: ⁠Jones is only 19 years old. He’s gotten out there for a few games this year, but never has there been an opportunity like this one. Remember, he’s facing a Texas defense that hasn’t given up more than 27 points in a game all year, and they’re going to be a fired up group coming off that Oklahoma loss. 

Longhorns RTB: While he’s not an unknown commodity, running back Raleek Brown needs to bring explosiveness to a unit that has missed it as Hollywood Smothers has been hampered by injury.

Gators RTB: ⁠I think Jaden Robinson is really beginning to find his stride defensively. He’s picked up six total tackles in each of his last two games, and he had a sack in Florida’s signature win at Auburn. The Gators defense is going to need to make some major changes if they want to knock off Texas, and it starts with the fourth-year Florida native continuing to make an impact. 

Longhorns RTB: Discipline, or lack thereof. Being in a home environment may help, but the Longhorns cannot beat themselves with penalties and miscues, especially on special teams, as was the case in the Red River Rivalry loss.

Gators RTB: What is this offense without the run-game? Jaden Baugh was a Heisman candidate through the first few weeks, but suddenly he’s been held to just 72 combined yards in his last two games (he didn’t rush for fewer than 136 in any of his first four). The offense simply hasn’t looked the same when they aren’t able to get going, and that’s a scary thought knowing they’re set to play a full 60 minutes against Texas without Philo. 

Longhorns RTB: Texas 24, Florida 13

Gators RTB: ⁠Texas 35, Florida 16