No. 8 Florida Crashes 45-17 at No. 25 Missouri as 42 Rushing Yards Expose SEC Flaws
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Oct 4
No. 8 Florida Crashes 45-17 at No. 25 Missouri as 42 Rushing Yards Expose SEC Flaws
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Oct 4
Summary
Florida’s 45-17 loss in Columbia turned a 4-0 surge into a reality check, with coach Jon Sumrall calling the performance “embarrassing” and taking blame after the Gators were outclassed in every phase.
Missouri’s front erased Florida’s identity by holding Jaden Baugh to 13 yards on 12 carries and the Gators to 42 rushing yards total, forcing Aaron Philo into obvious passing downs before he was replaced in the fourth quarter.
Missouri then exposed Florida’s defense just as badly: Jamal Roberts ran for 211 yards and three touchdowns, while Austin Simmons completed 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two scores.
The defeat sharpened concerns about Florida’s depth and balance, especially with receiver Vernell Brown III and safety Bryce Thornton unavailable, and left the Gators’ SEC title case looking far less sturdy.
Florida still remains in the conference and playoff mix, but with Texas and Georgia looming later this month, the game suggested stopping the run may be enough to derail the Gators.