Florida: Philo, Baugh lead explosive Gators past FAU in Sumrall’s record-setting d…
Florida · Florida State · Florida AtlanticFlorida quarterback Aaron Philo displayed machine-like efficiency, while offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner delivered the fireworks long missing at the Swamp. Star tailback Jadan Baugh picked up where he left off after a record-setting night against Florida State.
"It was a fun brand to watch tonight," Sumrall said. The performance showcased an attack able to find the end zone, generate explosive plays and entertain a crowd that has waited far too long for all three.
Florida was eight-of-eight in the red zone and had 20 plays of at least 10 yards, beginning with a 49-yard touchdown by sophomore receiver Vernell Brown III to open the scoring. Baugh had runs of 61, 25 and 18 yards as he finished with 160 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries before leaving the game early in the third quarter with Florida leading 45-14.
Philo also completed passes of 63 yards to TJ Abrams and 33 yards to Brown, a former Orlando Jones standout who finished with a career-high 117 yards on six catches. FAU didn't even force Florida to punt.
KEY POINTS
- Philo, Baugh lead explosive Gators past FAU in Sumrall’s record-setting debut 66-21.
- Head coach Jon Sumrall’s long-awaited debut during Saturday night’s 66-21 rout of Florida Atlantic signaled better ...
- "I tell Buster all the time: You don't know what to do, you just hand it to 13," Sumrall said, referencing Baugh's number.
- A reported crowd of 90,295, the fifth-largest for a home opener, celebrated as the Gators compiled 624 yards and scored the most points under a head coach during his first home game — and the most by Florida against an FBS foe since 2020.