Previewing Auburn's September 19th homegame against the Florida Gators.
Auburn versus Florida Prediction and Preview
Game: September 19th
Time: 6pm central
Network: ESPN
Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL
The last time Florida came to town Gus Malzahn was still doing his best Steve Spurrier impression, and Bo Nix had led Auburn to a 5-0 record. That high would be cut down in a 24-13 loss to the Gators. First year head coach Jon Sumerall brings the 2026 Gators to town led by sophomore QB Aaron Philo.
Florida has not played anything close to a competitive football team so far this season. Dominant victories over Florida-Atlantic and... hold on I'm looking it up... Campbell Camels. Campbell University's main campus is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina (if you were wondering). The Camels held the Gators to 3 of 9 on 3rd down (and 1 of 2 on 4th down).
U of F faired a bit better on 3rd down vs the Owls in week 1: 5-9 on 3rd downs, but allowed 396 total yards including 276 through the air. The first string Owl RB averaged 5 yards per carry on the ground. When adjusted for QB sacks, the Camels averaged close to 4 yards per carry. If the Gator defensive front doesn't get a lot stronger in Week 3 Auburn will be able to wear down the Florida defense. Florida will have to stack the box to slow Auburn down. That will open up the secondary for Byrum Brown and a receiver corps that is not dropping the ball constantly.
Watching Cam Coleman try as hard as he can to ruin the game for Texas this week reminded me of his fumble in the Iron Bowl. All the talent in the world, but not a clutch guy at all.
Auburn played a real game in Week 1, and found a way to win. Baylor's star QB DJ Lagway had a QB rating of 55.9 versus Auburn. It's difficult to pinpoint just how good or bad Florida's offensive line is this season, because of the competition they faced. I did find one fightin' Camel who looks the part of an SEC caliber defensive lineman. Tavales Curry is a defensive lineman from Belle Glade, FL. He weights in at 275 lbs and moves like he's 225 lbs. His 2 tackles for loss last Saturday were the only TFLs given up in Gainesville last weekend. That's one tough camel. How will Florida's offensive line respond to the Tigers defensive front?
The Gators will struggle to move the ball against Auburn. Auburn will find success on the ground first, and through the air when the Gators are forced to defend the run. Auburn wins in Jordan-Hare. 30-17.
- Thomas Porter
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