Gators to watch vs. Texas: RB Jadan Baugh could change the game

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Texas has turned the page from the Red River loss to a wounded, but dangerous Florida team. The Gators’ offense was a major storyline early in the season, topping 50 points in three of their first four games. Since then, they’ve been slowed to just 36 points over two games against Missouri and South Carolina. This is still a very dangerous team offensively, and it starts with one of the best RBs in the country. 

Here are the seven Gators that could change this game if Texas isn’t careful:

Florida GatorsRB Jadan Baugh 

This is the player you can’t let beat you if you’re Will Muschamp. Baugh put together 600 rushing yards over the first two weeks, only for the last two games total to not reach 80 rushing yards. He’s capable of changing this game if the Texas defensive line can’t set a very strong edge in the run game. Baugh killed the Longhorns last season and he’s capable of taking over this game but if the Texas run defense continues their strong play, they should be able to hold No. 13 in check. 

Florida Gators WR Bailey Stockton 

When you discuss the playmakers for Florida, it starts with Baugh, Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown. The WR3 Stockton has shown he’s very valuable to this offense. Stockton was another Georgia Tech transfer, joining Buster Faulker and Aaron Philo on the move. This season, he reeled in 23 catches for 258 yards and 2 scores. Stockton isn’t likely to dominate anyone physically but the knowledge of the offense and ability after the catch can hurt Texas if they aren’t careful with No. 3. 

Florida Gators TEs Luke Harpring and Amir Jackson 

This TE duo is becoming one of the more dangerous in the country, particularly in the receiving game. Neither are likely to stuff the stat sheet on Saturday but they are capable of changing the game in a hurry. The TE slip off play-action is a favorite of Buster Faulkner and this duo can be special in the open-field. The second and third level players tackling at a remarkably high level is a must against these WRs and TEs. 

Florida Gators LB Jayden Woods 

This is the most versatile defender for the Longhorns. He’s special as a pass rusher, racking up 4.5 sacks already this season. His ability to cover ground is impressive as well, meaning he could be used to try to corral any Manning scrambles/designed runs. Despite the struggles Florida has had defensively, Woods is the type of player that can wreck games if the Texas OL don’t come to play on Saturday. 

Florida Gators DL Emmanuel Oyebadejo 

If you haven’t gotten a chance to watch Oyebedejo, you’re doing yourself a disservice. At 6’6”, 299lbs, the Manchester, England native is putting together a very nice season for the Gators. He didn’t start playing football until he was 18, then moved to the United States for college, joining Jacksonville State. He transferred into the Florida program this offseason and his pass rushing ability(3.5 sacks this season) from the interior can create issues for the Texas OL, particularly C Conner Robertson. 

Florida Gators S Bryce Thornton

The Florida secondary has not played well this season, including Thornton not living up to his usual level of play. That being said, he’s stacked better numbers each season at Florida, including 6 PBUs, 1 sack, 1 FF and 1 INT last season. If Arch can’t be accurate and puts the ball in harm’s way, he could take it back to the house and change the game. The Florida secondary hasn’t lived up to the hype but the veteran has a chance to turn it around down the stretch. 

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Gators to watch vs. Texas: RB Jadan Baugh could change the game

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