Florida just made one of the loudest statements in college football. Now the Gators have to prove they can do it again on the road.
After crushing No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28, No. 21 Florida heads to Columbia to face No. 19 Missouri in another important SEC matchup. Florida enters 4-0 and 2-0 in conference play, while Missouri is 3-1 after falling 31-24 at Mississippi State.
And right now, the biggest problem for Missouri has a name: Jadan Baugh.
Baugh has been ridiculous through four games. The junior has rushed for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging over seven yards per carry. He’s rushed for at least 135 yards and multiple touchdowns in every game this season, and his 600 rushing yards are the most ever by a Florida player through the first four games of a season.
Against Ole Miss, Baugh carried the ball 29 times for 142 yards and three touchdowns, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Florida finished with 302 rushing yards as a team in the 52-point explosion.
How Florida Wins
Keep feeding Baugh.
Missouri knows exactly what’s coming, but that hasn’t mattered for anyone yet. Baugh has the power to run through defenders and enough explosiveness to turn a small opening into a massive gain.
The scary part is that Florida isn’t completely dependent on him. Duke Clark rushed for 126 yards against Ole Miss, while quarterback Aaron Philo has given the Gators balance through the air.
If Florida establishes the run early, Missouri could have a long afternoon.
How Missouri Wins
The Tigers have to slow Baugh and force Florida into obvious passing situations.
Missouri is at home and should have opportunities offensively, especially if this turns into a high-scoring game. But allowing Florida to control possession and consistently pick up five or six yards on first down is a recipe for disaster.
The Tigers need negative plays, turnovers and touchdowns instead of field goals.
Prediction
I think Missouri hangs around for a while.
Playing on the road in the SEC is never easy, and Florida could have somewhat of an emotional hangover after destroying a top-five Ole Miss team. But eventually, the Gators’ physicality takes over.
Baugh has another huge performance, Florida controls the line of scrimmage, and Philo hits enough explosive plays through the air to prevent Missouri from selling out against the run.
Missouri scores enough to keep things interesting, but Florida pulls away in the second half and continues its undefeated start.
Prediction: Florida 45, Missouri 31
