1999 was the last time the Florida Gators won a football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium against the Auburn Tigers. Even Florida’s 2006 national championship team lost there. That 27-year streak was snapped Saturday night in Florida’s 44-39 victory.
Florida’s offense continued its explosive start to the season as it entered SEC play, gaining 495 yards and scoring 44 points on the night. The Gators were once again led by star running back Jadan Baugh, who rushed 26 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
Baugh has rushed for 458 yards and eight touchdowns through the first three games of the season, continuing his impressive start to the year.
The Gators’ pass catchers also played well. Dallas Wilson had four catches for 74 yards, highlighted by a 20-yard touchdown reception. Vernell Brown III wasn’t able to find the end zone but had five receptions for 86 yards and made several key plays to keep drives alive and produce big gains.
The Gators got started right away as cornerback Cormani McClain intercepted Byrum Brown on Auburn’s third offensive play to give Florida great field position to start the game. Florida quickly scored on a pitch to Jadan Baugh to kick off the scoring.
Saturday also marked quarterback Aaron Philo’s first career start against a Power Four team, and he did not disappoint. Philo completed 15-of-22 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown.
Florida’s offense controlled the clock for much of the game, holding the ball for more than 39 minutes. It was a balanced attack as well, with the team recording 243 yards on the ground and 252 yards through the air.
Florida took a 20-17 lead into halftime before Baugh broke free for a 33-yard touchdown run to open the second half. A 20-yard touchdown pass from Philo to Wilson extended the lead to 34-17.
Baugh also added a 53-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-1 play to give the Gators a 41-24 lead, but they couldn’t put Auburn away. The Tigers scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, eventually cutting the Gators’ lead to 44-39 with 24 seconds left. However, the Gators recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.
The Gators’ defense was still shaky, giving up 39 points to open up SEC play. It wasn’t all bad as the unit forced a turnover and had seven sacks, but it allowed a handful of explosive plays that kept Auburn within striking distance.
Penalties also played a role in keeping the game tight as Florida was flagged 16 times for 138 yards compared to Auburn who was flagged just six times for 65 yards. Head coach Jon Sumrall was not pleased with the team’s discipline after surrendering well over 100 penalty yards.
“The penalties were out of control,” Sumrall said. 16 penalties. I mean, 16 penalties. We won’t win another game all year if we do that again. Not one more game. We got to get it cleaned up as a staff.”
Sumrall mentioned he didn’t agree with all the calls but wouldn’t let his players off the hook, reemphasizing that the team cannot continue giving opponents that many free yards.
The journey doesn’t get any easier for the Gators as they will host Ole Miss next week and follow that up with games against Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia.
The Florida Gators will host the Ole Miss Rebels next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The game can be watched on ABC.
