Expert predictions, picks for Florida football's Week 1 matchup vs FAU

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Florida football opens the Jon Sumrall era on Saturday against the FAU Owls at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The moment the Gator Nation has been waiting all offseason for is nearly nigh.

Sumrall's squad comes into the new season in good health, already putting the program in a better position than last year, when injury woes plagued the roster.

“We’re pretty healthy,” Sumrall said in his Week 1 press conference. “The injury report is pretty positive in regard to having pretty much everybody ready to go.”

Otherwise, there will be plenty of fresh faces both on the field and the sideline when things kick off this weekend. The new-look Gators hope to turn the page on a 4-8 finish last year and an overall disappointing Billy Napier era.

Florida and FAU have met four times prior — all in Gainesville — with the Gators going undefeated so far. The last time they faced off was also the season opener in 2021, in which the Orange and Blue prevailed, 35-14.

Take a look below at our Gators Wire staff expert predictions and picks for Florida's Week 1 intrastate matchup with FAU.

'Florida will not pull any punches despite an overmatched opponent'

Sumrall and Co. will be looking to come out strong to open the season; Florida will not pull any punches despite an overmatched opponent. However, there will be plenty of rust to shake off, plus the growing pains that come with a new coaching staff, so it is unlikely to be completely smooth sailing.

Aaron Philo will make some good plays and Tramell Jones Jr. will likely take some snaps too, but expect Jadan Baugh to carry the brunt of the offense on his preseason All-SEC shoulders.

The defense should handle the Owls with little difficulty and should use this opportunity to coalesce as a corps. It will also be interesting to see how a mostly revamped special teams unit performs. — Adam Dubbin

PREDICTION: Florida 38, FAU 13

'Florida Atlantic won't provide much of an upset scare in this contest'

Jon Sumrall will have the Gators fired up for the first game under this new regime. Though rust will be a factor in the early outing, optimism from within and how the media has spoken with enthusiasm about Sumrall will only work in the program's favor in Week 1 and beyond.

All-SEC running back Jadan Baugh will be the offense's main focal point, with backups Evan Pryor and Duke Clark also seeing action. Even though I don't expect UF to air the ball much, I do expect Aaron Philo to look cerebral and make the right reads in his first start as the quarterback in orange and blue.

Florida Atlantic won't provide much of an upset scare in this contest, but may make a few plays in the first quarter before Florida settles in. — Michael Trim Jr.

PREDICTION: Florida 35, FAU 3

'Depth and physicality overwhelm the Owls in Gainesville as the Sumrall era begins'

Florida has enough of a talent advantage to give Jon Sumrall a convincing victory in his debut, but I'm more interested in how quickly the Gators can gel and establish an identity on both sides of the ball. With 50 new players and new coordinators on offense and defense, there will be a lot of wrinkles to iron out through the first two weeks.

Luckily, Florida Atlantic and Campbell will serve as outmatched opponents for two glorified preseason games. I expect Jadan Baugh to set the tone and be fed early and often as Buster Faulkner looks to make him the offensive focal point.

I also want to see Aaron Philo not only put up stats but look comfortable as the starter. If his accuracy and leadership can shine through in a meaningful way, it'll do wonders as the Gators move deeper into the season and face stiffer competition.

I can see Florida making a few mistakes early on, but playing with so much juice that they can cover up their lack of execution. Depth and physicality overwhelm the Owls in Gainesville as the Sumrall era begins. — Michael Long

PREDICTION: Florida 42, FAU 13

'You're going to see a lot of players get in as depth chart decisions get made'

Florida is going to win on Saturday because it's facing FAU, but I don't think it's going to be the resounding win that everyone wants it to be. Jon Sumrall has only praised the offensive line once throughout fall camp, and it was more of a "they're starting to figure it out" vibe. The offense has led most of the scrimmages, but what does that say about the defense? Aaron Philo won the quarterback job, but only after his first week of no turnovers.

You're going to see a lot of players get in as depth chart decisions get made. It's unfair to call these first two weeks an extension of training camp, but in some ways they very much are.

The idea of the defense only allowing one touchdown feels hopeful at best, especially considering Sumrall's noted respect for the fast-paced offense the Owls run. Expecting Jadan Baugh to come out of the gate and carry the offense to an explosive start is also iffy in my book. I expect a 20-point win, but there are going to be turnovers, failed drives and miscues along the way.

On the bright side, we'll get to see just how versatile Buster Faulkner's offense is, hopefully with Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. getting plenty of snaps.

Bonus predictions: the QB competition reignites when Jones outperforms Philo, including a nice connection or two with Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III. Baugh plays a heavy role in the first few drives and then Florida saves him some mileage by using the other backs. — David Rosenberg

PREDICTION: Florida 34, FAU 17

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Expert predictions, picks for Florida football's Week 1 matchup vs FAU

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