Florida Gets Big Backing From Nick Saban Before Auburn Game
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The Florida Gators face their first tough test against the Auburn Tigers on Saturday.
Auburn has an advantage coming into the contest as they played and beat Baylor 17-16 in Week 1. The Gators have yet to play a Power 4 program, earning wins over Florida Atlantic and Campbell.
The SEC opener will decide whether Auburn or Florida have a chance to be an early College Football Playoff contender with a new coach. Alex Golesh and Jon Sumrall will get the opportunity to cement their first conference victory on Saturday.
During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday, legendary college football coach Nick Saban made his prediction for the contest, picking Florida to beat Auburn on the road.
Saban appreciates the Gators' strong rushing attack with Jadan Baugh, who had 296 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries through two games this season.
Saban thinks Sumrall is better set up at Florida in his first year than Golesh is at Auburn.
“I think Jon Sumrall probably inherited a little bit better roster and added to it at Florida in terms of the kind of defense they can play,” Saban said, via a transcription from On3.
“I think Florida is a little bit further along as a team just based on the first two weeks of the season.”
Saban had kind words for Golesh, believing he's the right guy for Auburn. Saban also noted Byrum Brown played Florida well last year.
“Byrum Brown is a really good quarterback,” Saban said. “Now he killed Florida last year, and Florida had a good defense, and he ran all over them and was the difference in the game. And maybe the best player.”
Brown went 23 of 36 passing for 263 yards and one touchdown in South Florida's 18-16 upset of then-No. 13 Florida last season. Brown added another 66 yards on 17 carries via the ground.
Brown will be a huge test for Florida's defense in Week 3. The Gators need to find ways to shut him down, because it won't be any easier for the defense when they play Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss in Week 4.
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