Florida Gators at Auburn Tigers: TV, betting odds, keys
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When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
Latest line: UF is favored by 2.5 points
TV: ESPN
Weather: 91 degrees, 40% chance of rain
Coaches: Alex Golesh 2-0 in first season at Auburn, 25-15 overall; Jon Sumrall 2-0 in first year at UF, 45-12 overall.
Quick slant: The Gators have won nine of 13 meetings, but lost their last three visits to Jordan-Hare (2011, 2006, 2001). Sumrall is 1-0 vs. Golesh, with Tulane beating USF 45-10 in 2024. Florida’s 118 points in two games ranks third in program history, alongside 2009 and behind only the 1994 and 1913 Gators, who beat Auburn 55-0 in Week 2.
About Auburn (2-0):USF transfer quarterback Byrum Brown is a powerful runner, but inconsistent passer. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior threw a career-high three interceptions during an 18-17 Week 1 win against Baylor after suffering seven picks in 2025. Receiver Jeremiah Koger, another USF transfer, leads the team with seven catches for 123 yards. Sophomore Elijah Melendez of Kissimmee leads the SEC with 18 tackles. Fellow linebacker Xavier Atkins was an All-SEC performer in 2025 after recording 84 tackles, including 17 for loss (nine sacks).
About UF (1-0):The Gators average 8.82 yards per play and have eight plays longer than 30 yards, ranking second in the SEC in each category. Quarterback Aaron Philo is completing 76.2% of his throws and has accounted for seven touchdowns, including five passing. Receiver Vernell Brown III is tied for third in the league with four touchdowns, one fewer than Gators’ tailback Jadan Baugh and LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. Linebacker Myles Graham (16 tackles), tackle Jeremiah McCloud (12 stops) and safety DJ Coleman (three passes defensed) have led the defense.
3 things to watch
1. Auburn run defense. The Tigers allow only 2.19 yards per carry but now face Baugh, who sits atop the SEC with 296 rushing yards on 28 carries (10.6 yards per attempt).
2. Turnovers. The Gators have created five turnovers, including three forced fumbles, and Auburn four, led by cornerback Andre Jordan Jr.’s two interceptions — one of them a pick-six.
3. Kicking game. Florida placekicker Patrick Durkin has made 29 of 34 on field-goal attempts, including five of seven from at least 50 yards. Auburn’s Alex McPherson is 43 of 49, with three 50-yarders in five tries.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
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