semissourian
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Just three weeks ago, the Texas-Florida game was circled as a potential blockbuster. The Longhorns sat atop the rankings with quarterback Arch Manning at the helm, while the Gators, under first-year coach John Sumrall, were climbing the polls and bringing the chomp back to the Swamp. But those promising days have faded. Now, both teams enter Saturday's matchup in Austin with battered bodies and bruised egos, each desperate for a victory to prevent their seasons from spiraling further.
Seventh-ranked Texas (4-1, 1-1 SEC) returns home after a stunning loss to unranked rival Oklahoma in Dallas, where Manning threw two costly fourth-quarter interceptions. The Gators (4-2, 2-2) are likely relieved to be on the road following a lopsided defeat to South Carolina in Gainesville last week. Despite the setback, Texas remains in contention for the SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth, but another loss could derail those aspirations.
Manning, who is eager for a rematch with the Gators after they handed Texas a humbling loss last season—a defeat that significantly hurt the Longhorns' playoff chances—said, "Obviously a new (Florida) coach and they have some new players, but it left a bad taste in my mouth." The Gators, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance, such as their dominant win over Ole Miss last month, but those cheers turned to boos in last week's 38-19 loss to South Carolina. The defeat highlighted the program's ongoing struggles despite its talent. "We're a work in progress," Sumrall admitted. "Sometimes our progress is dysfunctional."
Key Analysis
Florida's injury situation adds uncertainty to the matchup. Starting quarterback Aaron Philo is questionable with a shoulder injury that limited his practice time, and if he can't play, sophomore Trammel Jones would make his first career start. The Gators are also hopeful to get star receiver Vernell Brown III back after he missed two games with a knee injury. For Texas, Manning's ability to handle pressure will be crucial; the Gators sacked him six times last season, and he's been sacked eight times in the last two games. Manning has taken responsibility, saying, "I haven't helped them out, getting the ball out (quicker). I've been taking some unnecessary sacks."
Special teams have been a glaring issue for Texas, which has allowed a punt return touchdown and a punt block for a touchdown in consecutive weeks—feats not seen since 2013 and 2009, respectively. Coach Steve Sarkisian has stood by special teams coordinator Jeff Banks despite the miscues. Offensively, the Longhorns have struggled, ranking 12th in the SEC in total offense at 379 yards per game, and Sarkisian has faced criticism for his play calling. However, Florida's defense has been even worse, ranking last in the SEC in total defense and missing more than 20 tackles last week against South Carolina. Something will have to give when these two desperate teams clash on Saturday.
Originally reported by semissourian.