Texas Faces Florida With Key Injuries And Pressure On Arch Manning

Texas football has spent the past week dealing with the fallout from its Red River Rivalry loss to Oklahoma.

Now the seventh-ranked Longhorns face another SEC test Saturday against Florida, with injuries affecting both teams and growing pressure on quarterback Arch Manning.

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Texas enters the 11 a.m. matchup at 4-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play after falling 27-24 to Oklahoma. Florida is 4-2 and 2-2 in the conference, having dropped consecutive games against Missouri and South Carolina.

The latest SEC availability report offers Texas a mixture of encouraging and troubling news.

Wide receiver Kaliq Lockett and offensive lineman Jaydon Chatman have been ruled out. However, offensive lineman Jordan Coleman and defensive lineman Justus Terry are both probable, potentially providing much-needed reinforcements.

Florida's injury concerns could be even more consequential.

Starting quarterback Aaron Philo remains questionable after suffering a shoulder injury against South Carolina. If Philo can't play, sophomore Tramell Jones is expected to make his first career start.

The Gators could also be without wide receivers Vernell Brown III and Bailey Stockton, both listed as questionable. Brown, dealing with a knee injury, has 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Running back Duke Clark has been ruled out.

Those absences place even more importance on Florida's rushing attack, led by Jadan Baugh, who has surpassed 600 rushing yards and scored at least 10 touchdowns.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian understands the challenge.

"He's a problem," Sarkisian said of Baugh. "He's big, physical, fast and he runs hard."

But stopping Florida isn't the only concern in Austin.

Manning threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns against Oklahoma, yet two interceptions helped derail the Longhorns' opportunity to remain undefeated.

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

Texas ranks just 80th nationally in total offense, a troubling number considering the talent assembled around its quarterback.

Fortunately for Sarkisian, Florida's defense has struggled, ranking 113th nationally in scoring defense while surrendering 5.6 yards per play.

That presents an opportunity for Manning to find his rhythm, particularly if the Longhorns can establish their running game behind a healthier offensive line.

Texas also brings an imposing defense into Saturday's matchup, allowing just 264.4 yards per game and leading the SEC with 40 tackles for loss.

With Florida potentially relying on an inexperienced quarterback, defensive coordinator Will Muschamp should have opportunities to create pressure and force mistakes.

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The Longhorns have won 12 consecutive home games, but another victory won't completely erase the concerns exposed against Oklahoma.

Sarkisian needs a cleaner offensive performance, better protection for Manning and fewer self-inflicted mistakes.