The Jon Sumrall era at Florida began with fireworks.
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Florida overwhelmed Florida Atlantic 66-21, accumulating 674 yards of total offense and demonstrating the speed and aggressiveness Sumrall wants to establish in Gainesville.
Quarterback Aaron Philo and running back Jadan Baugh combined for six touchdowns, immediately establishing themselves as the central figures in Florida’s new offense. Baugh rushed for 160 yards, consistently breaking through the FAU defense and giving Philo favorable situations through play action.
Florida scored 17 points in the first quarter and 21 more in the second to take a 38-14 halftime lead. The Gators then continued attacking rather than simply protecting the advantage, scoring four more touchdowns after halftime.
Philo’s composure may have been the most important development.
Sumrall praised his quarterback’s confidence and poise afterward, qualities Florida will desperately need once SEC play begins.
The defense wasn’t flawless. Allowing FAU 21 points gives the coaching staff plenty to correct, particularly because Florida will soon encounter offenses capable of punishing missed assignments far more severely.
But the offensive performance overshadowed those concerns.
Florida has spent much of the recent past searching for consistency and an identity. One game doesn’t solve those problems, but Sumrall’s debut provided a glimpse of what he wants the Gators to become: fast, physical and aggressive.
Baugh looked like a potential SEC star, while Philo demonstrated that he can efficiently direct the offense.
Florida couldn’t have asked for much more from Sumrall’s debut. Sixty-six points, 674 yards and a comfortable victory gave the Gators an emphatic beginning to their new era.
