Florida RB Jadan Baugh Makes Heisman Trophy Declaration
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The No. 8 Florida Gators are squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation thanks to a 52-28 beatdown of then-No. 4 Ole Miss at "The Swamp" on Saturday.
Florida improved to 4-0, and 2-0 in SEC play. The Gators are a force thanks to their best player, running back Jadan Baugh. He's second in the country in total rushing yards with 600, only trailing Nate Sheppard's 644 yards with Duke.
Baugh has 11 rushing touchdowns on the season, and added 142 yards on the ground and three touchdowns on Saturday. He's averaging 7.2 yards per carry.
During an appearance on Sirius XM's College Sports Radio on Monday, Baugh said he's taking his teammates’ advice and making a big play to win the Heisman Trophy this year, striking the pose during Saturday's game against Ole Miss.
“I’ve been sending a message all year, and not just me, the whole team,” Baugh said. “They even tell me ‘you better hit it.’ I sometimes, (I’m) trying to be chill.
"You know, just come out there and just have a great time, and then do something I love. But my teammates won’t let me. They tell me all the time, ‘You better hit it.’”
Baugh should certainly be thanking his offensive line. The offensive line, which was a concern heading into the season, has opened up huge holes for Baugh to run through. The expected first-round pick has made the most of his opportunities.
The Gators will need Baugh to continue his momentum when the schedule gets tougher in October. Florida will play No. 1 Texas on Oct. 17 and No. 2 Georgia on Oct. 31.
Baugh's rushing ability has been important for quarterback Aaron Philo to make progress in his first year as a starter. And a strong running game will be important for Philo when Florida plays two of the best teams in college football this year.
Florida's offense could get even better
Eric Singleton Jr. has been dealing with an ankle injury since Florida's win over Florida Atlantic in Week 1. He recorded one reception for 38 yards in Florida's win over Ole Miss this weekend, leading the offense in receiving.
Look for Philo and Singleton to gain more chemistry as the season goes on. Singleton, Dallas Wilson, and Vernell Brown III were expected to be one of the better receiver trios in college football this season. With Singleton healthy, expect the Gators to be more aggressive in pushing the ball downfield in SEC play.
The Gators running game is important, but that will only get the team so far when they play tough competition consistently. Eventually, Florida will need Philo to make big plays in the passing game when the team is trailing in the second half.
The Gators have the weapons to do so, and could be much more dangerous in the second half of the season.
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