AUSTIN, Texas – Jon Sumrall has suddenly renewed faith into the Gator faithful.
Despite a spiraling two weeks, Florida football (5-2, 3-2 SEC) pulled off 27-24 upset victory over No. 6 Texas that featured the Gators scoring 24 unanswered points.
The manner in which couldn’t have happened in more dire circumstances as backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. helped resurge the season. At the same time, Florida’ struggling defense had no problems stopping the Longhorns (4-2, 1-2 SEC).
The victory is Florida highest-ranked win in a true road game, while being unranked since 2003 against No. 6 LSU. Notably, the Gators last defeated a top-10 team on the road, while unranked back in 2004 at No. 10 Florida State.
Florida football offense: B+
Backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. entered the matchup facing the uneasy task of his first career start against a top 10 team. After four of the five opening drives ended in punts, Jones settled in and gave Florida a chance to win. He orchestrated back-to-back touchdown drives to tie the game up. UF started the game 0-for-7 on third down in the first half, but finished 7-for-17. Running back Jadan Baugh iced the game with a 11-yard touchdown run with just over six minutes. Notably, penalties derailed several early drives for Florida with five of the Gators’ seven called on the offense.
Florida football defense: A
The first two drives seemed like a repeat of Florida’s defense, as the Longhorns took an early 10-0 lead. Yet the Gators tightened up and stopped Texas on four straight drives. The defense kept Arch Manning in check, and he didn’t eclipse 100 passing yards until just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Myles Graham delivered a game-sealing strip-sack, and Kanye Clark recovered a fumble for Florida’s only turnover.
Florida special teams: C
Punter Alec Clark himself had a solid day as he averaged 51.8 yards per punt. However, football is a team sport, and early missed opportunities to flip the field and shift momentum hurt. After the Gators’ opening drive, Clark booted a career-best 74-yard punt, but it didn't get pinned at the Longhorns to the 1-yard line. Adding to the bleeding, the Gators gave up a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter, extending UT’s lead to 17-3. Patrick Durkin made a 45-yard field goal in the first half and nailed a go-ahead 28-yarder in the fourth quarter.
Florida football coaching: B
Sumrall was adamant that Florida could win with Tramell Jones Jr., and he was right. Defensive coordinator Brad White only surrendered 10 points to the Longhorns and gave Arch Manning problems all day. Buster Faulkner’s offense struggled in the first half, especially on third down. However, Faulkner had Jones prepared enough to give Florida the fighting chance it needed.
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Grading Florida football after Texas game: What earned an A, what needs work