Florida's 66-21 victory over Florida Atlantic was as about of a perfect offensive game as it gets.
From the opening kickoff, Florida's offense consistently moved the ball, found the end zone, and showcased the playmakers who have generated plenty of preseason hype. While several players played important roles in the dominant performance, one stood above the rest.
Jadan Baugh was Florida's offensive player of the game.
The All-SEC running back wasted no time living up to all the preseason hype and expectations. He finished the game with 160 rushing yards, which was more than FAU's entire offense. He also saw the end zone three times in his 14 attempts to run the ball.
Baugh wasn't simply piling up yards, either. He consistently created explosive
plays while displaying the physicality that has made him one of the most highly regarded running backs in the country.
He averaged 11.4 yards per carry, meaning nearly every time Baugh touched the ball, there was a chance for a game-changing play.
That combination of explosiveness and physicality was on full display Saturday night. Baugh showed he could break through contact, accelerate into open space, and turn relatively routine runs into chunk plays.
What was most impressive was how efficiently Baugh produced his numbers. Florida didn't need to give him 20 or 25 carries to establish him as the game's dominant running back. He needed only 14 attempts to reach 160 yards and three touchdowns.
Baugh entered the season with legitimate NFL potential and has been viewed as a potential first-round selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. If he continues producing at this level against stiffer competition, that projection could become even more realistic.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Jadan Baugh's stellar effort earns him offensive player of the game
