Texas Faces Dangerous Florida Playmakers In Key SEC Showdown

The Texas Longhorns might be getting Florida at the right time, but Steve Sarkisian's team would be making a serious mistake by overlooking the Gators.

No. 7 Texas returns home Saturday following its disappointing 27-24 loss to Oklahoma, facing a Florida offense that looked nearly unstoppable earlier this season before struggling in consecutive SEC defeats.

MORE: Texas Needs Arch Manning, Young Stars To Step Up Against Florida

The Gators scored more than 50 points in three of their first four games. But losses to Missouri and South Carolina have exposed problems with offensive consistency, particularly when opponents take away the running game.

That brings the conversation directly to running back Jadan Baugh.

The Florida standout has rushed for 672 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. He's capable of changing a game with one explosive run, making edge containment a priority for Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

Baugh has been contained recently, but the Longhorns can't afford to assume that trend will continue.

Florida also has dangerous receiving options.

Bailey Stockton has caught 23 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns, providing quarterback Aaron Philo with a reliable target underneath. His ability to gain yards after the catch makes him particularly dangerous against soft coverage.

Tight ends Luke Harpring and Amir Jackson present another challenge.

Harpring has 12 receptions for 137 yards, while Jackson has turned five catches into 106 yards and a touchdown. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner uses both effectively on play-action, creating opportunities when defenders concentrate too heavily on stopping Baugh.

Texas must also account for Florida's defensive playmakers.

Linebacker Jayden Woods has emerged as one of the Gators' most disruptive defenders, recording four sacks through six games. His combination of speed and versatility could create problems for quarterback Arch Manning, especially when the Texas offensive line struggles in pass protection.

Defensive lineman Emmanuel Oyebadejo is equally concerning.

The 6-6, 299-pound interior defender has registered 3.5 sacks this season, making him a potential matchup problem for Texas center Connor Robertson.

In the secondary, veteran safety Bryce Thornton remains capable of creating turnovers despite Florida's defensive struggles.

Thornton recorded six passes defended, an interception, a forced fumble and a sack last season. His experience could prove valuable against Manning, who threw two costly fourth-quarter interceptions against Oklahoma.

Florida's biggest uncertainty remains Philo, who's questionable with a shoulder injury. Wide receivers Vernell Brown III and Stockton are also questionable, potentially limiting the Gators' offensive options.

Still, Texas has plenty to worry about.

Florida has enough talent to make Saturday uncomfortable, especially if Baugh establishes the running game and the Gators generate pressure on Manning.

MORE: Texas Gets Injury Boost As Florida QB Aaron Philo's Status In Doubt

The Longhorns need to avoid another mistake-filled performance.

Because after losing to Oklahoma, another SEC stumble could seriously damage Texas' championship ambitions.