ESPN's Bill Connelly's analysis offers insight for Florida football

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Florida football is preparing for its biggest test in the Jon Sumrall era as they welcome Ole Miss to the Swamp for the first time since 2024, when Florida, led by former Gators quarterback DJ Lagway, defeated the Rebels as a 10-point underdog.

Following their impressive victory at Auburn, the Gators will look to continue to build on their significant momentum against No. 4 Ole Miss, who is also coming off an emotional victory over LSU, and their former head coach Lane Kiffin.

ESPN college football analyst Bill Connelly checked in on the SEC's matchups this weekend, including the Ole Miss-Florida contest.

"Florida ranks first nationally in points per drive and rained down 44 points, 495 yards, and nine gains of 20-plus last week against an otherwise solid Auburn defense. The secret to coordinator Buster Faulkner's early success? Running back Jadan Baugh's general awesomeness—he's on pace to threaten 2,000 yards and Aaron Philo's accuracy. He's completing 73% of his passes, and he has one of the tightest pass placement charts you'll see." Connelly stated.

Baugh was already a key contributor to the Florida offense last season, but this year he has leaped into being an NFL-caliber running back.

The combination of wide receivers taking the field with Baugh could create problems for Ole Miss' defense, which ranks 95th in the nation in points allowed per drive, and could be critical, especially since UF has shown the ability to consistently create explosive plays.

Florida's defense didn't break against Auburn, but it may be problematic against the Rebels and Trinidad Chambliss.

The Orange and Blue rank 137th in stuff rate and 82nd in pressure rate, which aren't impressive. Ole Miss can still create instant offense even without Kewan Lacy, as we saw last week against LSU.

The Gators' offense has been a machine under Buster Faulkner so far this season, but a matchup against a top-five team like Ole Miss could prove an important measuring stick for their postseason hopes.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN's Bill Connelly's analysis offers insight for Florida football

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