The Texas Longhorns wasted no time putting this game out of reach against the Florida Gators. Quinn Ewers delivered a stellar performance, leading Texas to a 35-0 halftime lead with four touchdowns in the first half. With this victory, Texas secured their eighth win of the season, improving to 4-1 in SEC play.
Texas looked every bit like a top team today. Although they faced a third-string freshman quarterback, the Longhorns handled business with impressive dominance. Here are the five biggest takeaways from Texas's 49-17 victory over Florida.
Quinn Ewers Looked Like a Top-Tier Quarterback
Did the bye week provide exactly what Quinn Ewers needed? The Florida Gators had forced multiple interceptions over their last two games, and with Ewers throwing picks in four consecutive games, this matchup looked like a serious test for him.
And he passed with flying colors. Ewers completed 19 of 27 passes for a season-high 333 yards and five touchdowns, improving the Texas Longhorns Odds. Ewers looked much more confident on the field. While he was occasionally out of sync in the opening drives, he quickly found his rhythm, delivering beautiful throws like his second-quarter touchdown pass to Matthew Golden.
This is exactly the performance Texas fans hope to see from their quarterback. Ewers made decisions, like the RPO pass to Helm for his second touchdown, and showed much-improved footwork, avoiding pressure more effectively than in previous games.
Slow Start and Offensive Line Were Fixed
After the missed kick on the opening drive, it seemed like Texas might have another slow start, but they quickly turned things around. The second drive could have easily ended in a three-and-out, but head coach Steve Sarkisian took a calculated risk, converting a 4th-and-1 from their own 24. That play sparked Texas, who began to build momentum and string together strong drives.
It was a relief for Texas fans to see the team start scoring quickly and efficiently. The improvement of the offensive line was also encouraging. One of the key reasons for Texas's strong start was the O-line's performance, as they didn't allow a sack for the rest of the game after the first drive. While holding penalties still need to be minimized, two of this Texas team's biggest concerns were notably improved this week.
The Run Defense was Concerning
The Gators exploited Texas's defense on the ground in the second half, with running back Ja'Kobi Jackson averaging 6 yards per carry and the defense allowing a season-high 197 rushing yards. Due to having a third-string quarterback, Florida leaned heavily on the run, and their offensive line consistently opened strong running lanes.
Notably, Trey Moore stood out as a bright spot in the run defense, contributing with two tackles for loss. However, Texas still struggled to contain Florida's ground game in the second half, and it will be interesting to see how they adjust in the next game.
Andrew Mukuba is So Important for the Defense
Mukuba's presence was a major factor in Texas's defensive dominance for most of the game.
Returning from injury, he recorded a season-high six tackles (two solo) and intercepted a pass from Warner in the second half. His coverage skills and knack for closing gaps to make tackles were greatly missed in the previous game against Vanderbilt.
"It felt extremely good to be out there," Mukuba said postgame. Mukuba was a key addition for Texas this offseason. He addressed last season's struggles with pass defense and revitalized that area of the defense all season long.
Matthew Golden Needs More Involvement
Good things seem to happen whenever Golden gets the ball.
The wide receiver had his second multi-touchdown game of the season against Florida, making three catches for 64 yards. Over the last four games, Golden has only nine receptions, but he's turned them into 173 yards and three touchdowns. In last week's game against Vanderbilt, Golden had just nine yards on two catches, but one of those was one of Texas's top plays of the season, setting up a touchdown.
Golden's talent is undeniable—he's averaging just three catches per game, but his route-running and aggressiveness make him a dangerous target. While he may lack the speed of Isaiah Bond, his ability to elevate over defenders makes him a playmaker in the open field. The Texas Longhorns return to action next week in Fayetteville, AR, for a rivalry-renewed matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Final Words
The Texas Longhorns showcased their dominance in a comprehensive 49-17 victory over the Florida Gators. Quinn Ewers delivered a standout performance, showing the growth and confidence fans expect from their quarterback. Texas's offense found its rhythm quickly, with the offensive line stepping up and providing the protection needed for a fast start.
However, concerns over the run defense remain, particularly after allowing 197 rushing yards. Thankfully, Andrew Mukuba's return proved crucial to the defense, and his impact was felt across the board.