Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian revealed the biggest hurdle for Arch Manning and the pass game against Florida
The Florida Gators are still a formidable foe at home. Texas is prepared to attack through the air.
Florida defensive coordinator Ron Roberts has been around for a while. He knows a thing or two about shutting down talented quarterbacks and run games. This Saturday will be no different as Texas comes in with Arch Manning searching for more consistency.
Standing in his way is Roberts’ defense which currently ranks 32nd nationally in passing yards allowed per game (173) and 33rd in rushing yards allowed (111.2).
These are the two key metrics which I believe will decide the contest in the Swamp – kicking off at 2:30pm CT.
Steve Sarkisian is ready for the challenge the Gators secondary brings.
“They play a lot of split safety [each safety responsible for one half of the field] looks and they’re a veteran secondary,” Sarkisian said.
Eric Henry of Horns247 spoke with Graham Hall from Swamp247 to discuss the keys to this contest. Henry asked Hall about the biggest obstacles for the Gators in three losses thus far in 2025.
“The Gators have failed to execute offensively, and it’s largely due to DJ Lagway’s development, or lack thereof,” Hall said. “The sophomore quarterback missed the majority of the previous eight months of development time with a shoulder injury and sports hernia limiting him in spring camp. Lagway missed much of fall camp due to a calf strain.
“As a result, Lagway has been unable to execute explosive downfield plays, and his ability to read opposing defenses needs improvement. His mechanics, too, have raised questions, and he’ll need to be far more effective for the Gators to be potent offensively,” Hall said. “Around him, there’s more Florida can do to aid his ability to be successful. The Gators have committed too many penalties, and a handful of miscues or questionable decisions on special teams have hindered the team’s chances at victory.”
Texas Longhorns News
Multiple Texas players reveal the major key to beating Florida in the Swamp Saturday
Saturday is going to be loud, but Texas is preparing accordingly.
Despite the 1-3 record, Florida has some talented players. Graham Hall highlights the most important ones.
“I think it’s fair to say Lagway is the biggest X-factor, but there are weapons around him. Florida freshman WR Dallas Wilson is expected to make his collegiate debut Saturday, and he was the most highly regarded true freshman on offense in the offseason, having recorded 10 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns in UF’s annual spring game. If he can be a playmaker within the offense, Florida should be more explosive.”
“Running back Jadan Baugh has to be a factor, too, given his talent and ability to move the chains. Senior running back Ja’Kobi Jackson flashed in UF’s most recent contest,” Hall said. “Defensively, linebacker Myles Graham is essentially the quarterback of the defense, while Sapp is the emotional leader for Florida who provides invaluable motivation for the defense. The aforementioned players will need to lead the way for Florida to have a chance to pull off the upset at home Saturday.”
Texas will HAVE TO stop the run to get Lagway and the offense behind the chains. If you can force him into third and medium or long where he has to make big-time throws, drive the ball downfield, I trust the Texas secondary to stay in phase with Wilson and the Gators wide receivers and make plays to get stops.
Florida offense ranks
- 60th in 4th down conversions (57.1 percent)
- 123rd in yards per game (287.3)
- 125th in yards per play (4.3)
- 129th in 3rd down conversions (23.8 percent)
- 131st in points per game (11.0)
