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Texas Longhorns vs. Florida Gators Preview

Umito November 5, 2024

When the Florida Gators and Texas Longhorns faced each other in 1940, the Longhorns blanked the Gators 26-0. Since then, the programs have totaled 1,285 victories, 34 conference titles and seven national championships.

A lot has happened as you can see, but ultimately, both teams will face off again, this time, as members of the same conference.

The Florida Gators (4-4 overall, 2-3 SEC) looked dangerous last week against the Georgia Bulldogs with backup quarterback DJ Lagway before his untimely injury in the second quarter. The Gators were forced to turn to freshman Aidan Warner who failed to keep the Gators in front. Florida ultimately lost 34-20.

Lagway isn’t ruled out for the Texas game, but if he can’t return in time, Warner will be there again for Florida, which shouldn’t be a particularly difficult task for a Longhorns defense that would have of Andrew Mukuba return after losing the defensive back to injury in the Georgia game.

But the Texan offense will have a more difficult task. Don’t let the score confuse you against Georgia. The Gators’ defense trampled Georgia before the offense’s miscues and special teams began to haunt the team. The Gators in their last two games against Kentucky and Georgia had six interceptions, a concerning development for Texas QB Quinn Ewers who has thrown an interception in every game this year he has played (except against Michigan), including two against Vanderbilt last game.

Texas will need running backs Jaydon Blue and Tre Wisner to play big games. The Gators defense has allowed over 140 rushing yards in each of their last three games this season and ranks second to last in rushing yards allowed in the SEC at 165 yards per game.

Texas being favored to win by -21.5 points and ESPN giving Texas a 90.9% chance, it might be easy for Texas fans to view Florida as another 7-1 Longhorns win. But Florida, which hasn’t had a winning season in over three seasons, will have a chip on its shoulder and is no stranger to facing top-10 opponents at its level. If you recall, Florida took Tennessee to overtime in Knoxville just a few weeks ago. And if Florida plays Texas like it played Georgia, with Lagway or not, then Texas could be in trouble.

But Texas is hungry to prove again that they are one of the best teams in the country. A big win could be exactly that.

Record 2024: 4-4, 2-3 in SEC

Head coach:Billy Napier

Passage: QB DJ Lagway

2024 Stats: 56 for 92 for 1,071. Six touchdowns and five interceptions.

Rushing: RB Montrell Johnson Jr.

2024 statistics: 70 carries for 373 yards and four touchdowns

Reception: WR Elijhah Badger

2024 stats: 24 catches for 560 yards and two touchdowns

Tackles: DB Trikweze bridges

Statistics 2024: 41 (19 solo)

Bags: EDGE Tyreak Sapp