Florida and Auburn produced one of the most entertaining games of the weekend…
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Predicted Score: Auburn 28, Florida 27
Actual Score: Florida 44, Auburn 39
…combining for 83 points before the Gators escaped Jordan-Hare Stadium with a 44-39 victory.
We expected a one-point Auburn win. Instead, Florida flipped the prediction and established itself early behind a punishing rushing attack.
Jadan Baugh was the difference-maker. The Florida running back carried 26 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring runs of 33 and 53 yards. Duke Clark added 50 rushing yards and another touchdown as Florida accumulated 495 total yards and controlled possession for more than 39 minutes.
Florida quarterback Aaron Philo completed 15 of 22 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown. His 20-yard scoring pass to Dallas Wilson helped the Gators build a 34-17 third-quarter advantage.
Auburn refused to go away.
Quarterback Byrum Brown threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another score. His fourth-quarter touchdown run and two-point conversion trimmed Florida’s lead to 41-32. Auburn struck again with 30 seconds remaining when Brown found Chas Nimrod for a 35-yard touchdown.
But Florida recovered the onside kick and finished the game.
The Gators survived despite committing a staggering 16 penalties for 138 yards. That is the major issue they will need to clean up. Against stronger opponents, that level of undisciplined football could be costly.
Still, Florida deserves credit for winning a road SEC game in a hostile environment. The Gators rushed effectively, controlled the clock and answered Auburn every time the Tigers threatened to complete the comeback.
Our prediction correctly anticipated a close game, but picked the wrong side. Florida’s five-point win was powered primarily by Baugh and a rushing attack Auburn never completely solved.
