After ascending into the AP Top 10 two weeks ago, it looked as if the Florida football program was once again poised to become a force in college football. However, back-to-back losses to fellow SEC schools Missouri and South Carolina have left the Gators eighth in the conference with a 4-2 record. Now, Florida will face off against seventh-ranked Texas this coming Saturday. Ahead of the matchup, Gators head coach Jon Sumrall praised Texas signal caller Arch Manning. Texas beat writer Tyler Horka shared Sumrall's compliments of Manning via X, formerly Twitter.
“He’s a Manning, so that means he’s a quarterback that throws the football and understands the game at a high level…And he’s an unbelievable runner,” Sumrall stated to the press.
In his second season as the Longhorns' full-time starting quarterback, Manning has improved quite a bit. He still makes some boneheaded decisions at times, including the two interceptions that led to an upset loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Classic. Nevertheless, he's the most talented signal caller that Florida has encountered this season. Can Sumrall's defense cause Manning enough issues to make him turn the ball over at least a couple of times?
Article Continues BelowIf so, then the Gators have a chance. Florida has its own talented starting quarterback in Aaron Philo. Like Manning, Philo is going through his own set of ups and downs. In addition to shutting Manning down, Sumrall will need Philo and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner at their best if they hope to upset Texas in Austin. If the Gators execute to perfection, then they have more than a fair shot at taking down Manning and the Longhorns Saturday afternoon.

