Florida football opened up the Jon Sumrall era with a resounding 66-21 win over the FAU Owls inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The offense came out blazing and the defense, while at times having some trouble with the Owls' passing game, stood strong enough to limit any major damage inflicted by the visitors.
The Gators finished with 624 yards of offense, marking the most since 2020, and their 66 points were the most in a season opener since 1988 against Montana State when Emmitt Smith led the ground attack. There was a lot to like about Florida's effort, but it was far from perfect.
After the final horn, the Gators Wire staff convened in roundtable fashion to give their individual instant reactions to the victory in good, bad and ugly fashion.
Here is what we had to say.
Adam Dubbin
GOOD: The Gators start the Sumrall era with a win and the offense was sharp, even if Aaron Philo looked like the second coming of Graham Mertz — which is not necessarily a bad thing. While Florida's starting quarterback was responsible for four scores (three with his arm and one with his legs), the real story was the running game, which amassed an impressive 281 yards, led by Jadan Baugh's 160 on 14 carries along with a trio of touchdowns.
BAD: The defense left a little to be desired in the first half, allowing 245 total yards with 156 coming through the air and 89 on the ground for an average of 4.3 yards per play. There were too many holes downfield for Veltkamp to throw into, but credit where credit is due, FAU is renowned for its passing acumen. Still, allowing 396 total yards over 60 minutes — and plenty before the game got way out of hand — to an FCS school is not the best look for the defensive corps.
UGLY: Maybe not necessarily "ugly," but the defense's lack of pressure on FAU's quarterback was rather disappointing. They did not get their first sack until the second half and Veltkamp just looked a little too comfortable throughout the game. Sumrall's squad will have a chance to fine-tune this aspect of their game next week against Campbell before facing Auburn to open the SEC schedule.
Mike Long
GOOD: Jadan Baugh and Buster Faulkner emerge as the biggest stars tonight, in my opinion. Faulkner consistently schemed skill players open and gave Aaron Philo easy opportunities while maintaining a balanced attack. The unpredictability, movement and option-filled playbook were a refreshing upgrade from what Gator Nation saw last season.
Philo also showed toughness in the pocket and used his legs effectively when necessary. Baugh looked special, scoring back-to-back touchdowns late in the first half that made him look every bit of the First-Team All-American he was projected to be. From what I saw Saturday night, the Heisman is a reality for No. 13. I also felt the energy and grit Jon Sumrall brought to the event was palpable.
BAD: Florida's defensive front was underwhelming, to say the least. They failed to produce a sack in the first half and could not generate pressure for a majority of the game. FAU was able to manufacture a push on UF's defensive line and Caden Veltkamp looked far too comfortable in the pocket considering the perceived talent gap between these two units.
UGLY: Overall, there wasn't much to upset about if you're a Florida fan; however, there were a few forgettable moments that beg bigger questions. Micah Mays' dropped pass late in the first half turned into an Aaron Philo interception. It was an avoidable mistake that put a blemish on an otherwise encouraging performance by the Gators' offense. Sumrall was forced to burn a timeout towards the end of the second quarter due to miscommunication with his defense. The drive ultimately resulted in a TD run by Veltkamp that cut the lead to 10.
David Rosenberg
GOOD: Without repeating my colleagues too much, Jadan Baugh is a bad, bad man, and Buster Faulkner's offense looks as versatile as advertised. The emergence of Vernell Brown III was the key for me. He didn't just catch screens and get some yards. He exploded for big gains and got open down the field to give Aaron Philo some easy looks.
What I expected to be a Wilson-heavy playbook ended up being a VB3-heavy playbook. Of course, Eric Singleton's injury might have had something to do with that. Duke Clark was also a bright spot. He looks like a legitimate No. 2 behind Baugh, and Byron Louis had some good touches at the end there. The offense is fun again in Gainesville, at least for now.
BAD: Sure, a lack of intensity on defense is a bit concerning, but I'm only picking it because we have to have a "bad." Two interceptions, a goal-line fumble and fairly consistent pressure on the quarterback is a good start. Sumrall says there's work to do, so I expect this unit to improve by next week.
UGLY: Injuries in Game 1 are hard to swallow. Singleton missing most of the game is concerning. Bryce Thornton and J'Vari Flowers also went to the sideline to get looked at by trainers in this one. Injuries aren't really a controllable thing, but it's still an ugly outcome of an otherwise great start to the season.
Michael Trim Jr.
GOOD: Florida football was able to put up 66 points on an opponent. Both Quarterbacks weren't able to combine for 343 passing yards, four touchdowns and only one interception. The offense was potent on all levels, with over 200-plus yards on the ground as well, with Baugh carrying the Bulk with 160 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
BAD: The defense allowed 21 points to an inferior opponent when I originally predicted only a field goal, but nonetheless they still made big plays whenever they needed them the most.
UGLY: To continue harping on the defense, FAU’s Caden Veltcamp threw for 276 yards, which shouldn't happen against that caliber of an opponent. Also there collection of running backs combined for over 100 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. I would like to see both of those numbers lowered next week when they take on Campbell at home.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Instant reactions from Florida's season-opening home win over FAU
