Florida at Auburn Final Score Predictions: Experts weigh in on new coaches Jon Sumrall vs. Alex Golesh
It’s the first SEC matchup for new coaches Jon Sumrall and Alex Golesh, but the latter faced the Florida Gators last season.
The SEC schedule is finally getting into full swing, as the Florida Gators head to Jordan-Hare to take on the Auburn Tigers. It’s not just the first SEC game for both teams this year, it happens to be the first SEC game for both Jon Sumrall and Alex Golesh as head coaches in the conference.
We’ve learned some things about both teams thus far, but we still are looking for more information from both to see how good each team will be in their respective first seasons at the helm.
Who will win their SEC debut? Our experts at A to Z Sports broke it down.
Florida 31, Auburn 23
This being the first game in the SEC as head coaches for both Sumrall and Golesh is a big deal. They each started 2-0, with Golesh having the best win between the two teams, defeating the Baylor Bears and former Gators quarterback DJ Lagway. Even so, the Gators have looked like a better team, especially on offense, with Aaron Philo and Jadan Baugh being explosive.
This could easily be a close game, and the offense that Golesh has won’t be an issue for the Gators like it was last year. Against Florida Atlantic, the Gators already saw a similarly run offense, and things like the wide splits won’t be a surprise, as they already have tape on how to better handle them. It will be interesting to see how both sides go into SEC play, but I’ve got the Gators to get the win.
– Tyler Forness, A to Z Florida
Florida 17, Auburn 14
Florida is 2-0, with wins over FAU and Campbell, while Auburn is also 2-0. Florida’s first two opponents haven’t provided a great test, though, so I wouldn’t overreact to the perfect record on both sides. However, Auburn has faced some tougher competition in teams like Baylor.
Still, I have Florida winning this game. Their defense will take over in this game. We have already seen Auburn and quarterback Byrum Brown struggle mightily. That was against Baylor. This Florida defense should be much better considering what we know about these teams this early on. The big thing to watch for is whether Florida’s offense can show up when they need it most. They have a prolific running back, but can he be the focal point of the offense against Auburn? Give me Florida in this one.
– Justin Churchill, A to Z Oklahoma
Florida 26, Auburn 23
I love that despite both of these coaches being friends outside of the sport, there is apparently no love lost between Jon Sumrall and Alex Golesh. The two first-year head coaches have led their teams to impressive starts, albeit against a lack of top-flight competition. That changes this week when Florida and Auburn square off. Auburn having this game at Jordan-Hare makes me a little worried for the Gators, but I believe in that offense and Sumrall too much to take the Tigers here.
This will be the first real test for Aaron Philo, but I believe the skill positions on the Gators’ offense will overwhelm the Tigers. Jadan Baugh, Eric Singleton (if healthy), and Vernell Brown form a tremendous trio, and that’s leaving out Dallas Wilson, who has yet to even get going. I think the discipline of that Gators team will show up on the road, and the explosiveness will carry Florida to victory.
– Rob Gregson, A to Z Alabama
Florida 27, Auburn 16
This is the “who’s more real quickly” bowl between two once-proud SEC powers looking to return to prominence under new Group of 5 head coaches. Florida hasn’t faced anyone with a pulse yet, beating Florida Atlantic and Campbell, but at least winning in lopsided fashion like a far more talented team should. Auburn nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Baylor in Atlanta, stopping a two-point conversion by inches in the final seconds to win 17-16. They at least bounced back last weekend over Southern Miss in commanding fashion 43-8
This is a question of who has passed the eye test better to me, and despite the lack of competition, I think Florida is the more talented and explosive team. Even in Jordan-Hare Stadium, Florida behind a steady ground game led by Jadan Baugh and a physical defense proves that they’re perhaps on the way back quickly with an impressive and convincing win.
– Craig Smith, A to Z Miami
Florida 24, Auburn 16
I’m taking Florida in what I expect to be a physical, defensive-minded SEC matchup. Florida should have the more consistent offense throughout the game, particularly if the Gators can establish the run behind Jadan Baugh and stay ahead of the chains. Auburn will have its opportunities, but Florida’s defense should make life difficult by limiting explosive plays and forcing Auburn to sustain long drives. That could ultimately lead to a few stalled possessions and field-goal opportunities rather than touchdowns.
I expect Auburn to keep this competitive into the second half, but Florida should gradually take control. The Gators’ ability to finish drives and create a couple of key defensive stops will be the difference, while Auburn settles for points instead of consistently finding the end zone. This feels like a game that is decided late, with the Gators doing just enough on both sides of the ball to leave with the victory
–Ryan Roberts, A to Z Notre Dame
Final Prediction for Florida Gators vs. Auburn Tigers
It was a clean sweep for the Gators, as all five experts predicted them to beat the Tigers by a score of 25-18.4. Will the game end up going that way? Only time will tell, but there are some intriguing elements at play.
