5 Takeaways from Florida’s Win vs. Campbell
Florida defeated Campbell University 52-3 in another dominant performance in The Swamp, advancing its overall record to 2-0. Despite the win, Florida has yet to enter SEC competition, with Auburn awaiting on the road Saturday, and a win of this margin is to be expected against an FCS school.
With improvements from Week 1, questions still lingering and some standout players, here are five takeaways from Saturday night’s victory.
1. Gator stars continue to shine
Sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III was the clear standout in Florida’s game Saturday, putting together a record-breaking performance for the Gators.
Brown totaled 216 total yards and three touchdowns, surpassing his previous career-high of 124 yards. His back-to-back punt return touchdowns set a new Florida program record at 173 yards, breaking Brandon James’ 155 yard record previously set in 2007. Brown also became the first Florida wide receiver to score three touchdowns in one game since Kadarius Toney in 2020.
“It’s just a blessing to take advantage of those opportunities,” Brown said. “Obviously, I hadn’t scored in a year. To come in new year, reset, refocus, do you. I’m going out there, doing me. The opportunities are presenting themselves”
Brown’s performance helped lead a similarly impressive offensive group that featured running back Jadan Baugh and wide receiver Dallas Wilson. Wilson recorded 104 yards on five catches, including a touchdown, while Baugh earned his seventh career 100-yard game, 20th career touchdown and longest career run with a 75-yard score on 14 rushes for 136 yards. Following Saturday’s win, Baugh moved to No. 16 on Florida’s all-time rushing list.
2. Aaron Philo Cements Role
Aaron Philo has once again proven his QB1 status, despite what appeared a closer race for the position in fall camp. The Georgia Tech transfer completed 16 of 21 passes for 242 total yards. He also accounted for two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown before being subbed out for Tramell Jones Jr. in the second half.
Philo’s similarly impressive performance in Florida’s Week 1 game against FAU helped land him at No. 19 on CBS’ College Football QB Power Rankings, a significant jump from his previous ranking at No. 42. Needless to say, Philo seems to be settling into his new colors and adjusting well to offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s Florida strategies.
3. Florida’s Defense: Improved, but Not Perfect
Florida’s defense kicked off the season with a shaky performance against FAU, allowing 21 points and 396 total yards. In the week leading into Campbell, prioritizing changes and improvement was a common theme throughout coach Jon Sumrall and defensive coordinator Brad White’s press conferences.
As kickoff rolled around Saturday, Campbell moved quickly down the field and earned a field goal for its team. The lead wasn’t set to last long, as Florida’s defense locked in and held the Fighting Camels scoreless for the rest of the game.. In the first 30 minutes of the game, the Gators forced seven scoreless drives. By game’s end, Campbell had totalled only 210 total offensive yards.
Linebacker Myles Graham logged seven tackles and a forced fumble against Campbell, continuing his successful season. Defensive tackle Jeremiah McCloud also put up a strong performance, notching four tackles, a pass breakup, 0.5 sacks and 0.5 tackles for loss. JACK Jayden Woods also had a strong showing, putting down five tackles, 0.5 sacks and 0.5 tackles for loss.
Regardless, Florida’s defense is still looking to improve. Junior defensive lineman LJ McCray spoke on the challenge after the game.
“To be honest, I think we can improve in almost every area,” he said. “There’s mistakes all over the field that need to be corrected that won’t fly against better opponents.” (take away the “however” in the final graf of this section)
However, Florida’s defense will face its first real challenge as it heads into SEC play this upcoming weekend against Auburn on the road. Until then, the work continues.
4. Second-half struggles and penalty problems
Despite a strong start for the Gators in the first two quarters and a 45-3 halftime lead, their second half appeared lackluster. Over the final two quarters, the Gators scored just one touchdown, highlighted by a 75-yard run by Baugh to the end zone.
Sumrall described the second half as “sloppy.” Florida was called for eight penalties overall, seven of which came in the second half. Five of the penalties were called on the offense. Penalties included offensive lineman TJ Shanahan Jr.’s flag for holding on Baugh’s 42-yard rush, OL Roderick Kearney’s penalty for unnecessary roughness and TJ Dice Jr.’s two holding calls. Overall, the miscuesissues cost Florida 95 yards.
Another issue the second half brought to the surface was a lack of depth. The Gators put out a dominant offensive showing in the first half, but after resting Florida’s starters near the end of the game, the backups stood pat..
Although Sumrall didn’t mention specific players, after the game he emphasized the need for all members of the team to meet the program’s standard, regardless of whether they were a first-, second- or third-team player.
5. Strong start for Sumrall
The win continues a strong start to the season for Jon Sumrall, who has led the Gators to their first 2-0 start since 2021. In Saturday’s game, Florida also earned its most points in a half since it faced Idaho in 2018.
That being said, the first-year coach is not yet pleased with the Gators’ performance. In his postgame press conference, he noted several areas of improvement for the team, including starting faster defensively and increasing depth overall.
Sumrall commented on the second half primarily, stating that if they play again like they did during that stretch, the team would be in for a “real rude awakening” as the season progresses. With nine straight SEC games taking up the foreseeable schedule, the Gators will have to step up their game.
“While I’m really happy to be 1-0 this week, I’m not real pleased with just maybe where we are from a maturity standpoint,” he said. “We’re about to walk into conference play, we will get absolutely embarassed if we don’t improve a ton.”
The Gators open up SEC play as they take on Auburn on the road this Saturday at 7:00 PM.
Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Football
