10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The tone around Gainesville has shifted dramatically over the last week.
Coming into their SEC clash with then-undefeated Ole Miss last weekend, the Gators were 3-0 and riding one of the most explosive offenses in college football. But they had also yet to face a truly difficult test. That changed Saturday night with the Rebels in town, but it didn't slow Florida down.
Jon Sumrall's team rolled to a commanding 52-28 victory over an Ole Miss squad that had all the momentum in the world after upsetting Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers. Now, Florida sits at No. 8 in the country and remains undefeated.
Read More on NCAA
When asked during Wednesday's episode of "Get Up" whether the Gators had done enough to be considered a playoff team, ESPN's Jordan Rodgers didn't hesitate.
"Absolutely, Florida is the real deal," Rodgers said. "Not only did that defense kind of corral Trinidad Chambliss a little bit, but really the offense kept the ball out of his hands. This offense, the skill positions, not just Jadan Baugh, but Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, they have a collection of possibly the most talented skill guys around Aaron Philo in the country. And they have the best running back in the entire country as well in Jadan Baugh. I think he proved that. This is a team that will punch you in the mouth. They're physical at the line of scrimmage, and they got that swagger back, the confidence that we haven't seen in Gainesville in a number of years, that's back. This team is legit."
More news: Paul Finebaum Goes Scorched Earth on ‘Complete Fraud’ Lincoln Riley
Baugh already has 600 rushing yards, the second-most in college football, along with 11 touchdowns on 83 carries. He's averaging a whopping 7.2 yards per carry and has quickly emerged as a serious contender for every major national award. He's also trending toward being the first running back selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.
But Baugh isn't the only reason Florida's offense has been so effective. Brown and Wilson, two Florida natives and former four-star prospects from the 2025 recruiting class, have each eclipsed 230 receiving yards and are showing signs of breakout seasons.
More news: Bobby Hauck Under Fire, Out at Illinois After Ohio State Embarrassment
...
More news: UNC Breaks Silence on Bill Belichick’s Son Resigning After Allegations
Philo has also been efficient under center, completing 71.4% of his passes for 917 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. If the defense can continue forcing turnovers and holding firm late in games, as it did against the Rebels, Florida has the talent and physicality to compete with just about anyone in the country.
The Gators will have another opportunity to prove they're for real Saturday when they travel to face the Missouri Tigers.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines