Gators (1-3) vs. No. 9 Texas (3-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ESPN
Latest line: Texas is favored by 6 1/2 points
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: Texas 24, Florida 10
If Billy Napier is going to save his job, it probably needs to start here. Texas has one of the top defenses in the country and the Gators have one of the worst offenses. Then again, Florida’s defense has been stout as well while Texas’ offense has been clunky and sputtering. The Longhorns haven’t played a legit opponent since the season-opening loss to Ohio State and now they come into the Swamp for what could be Napier’s last stand. The Gators defense will keep UF in it for a while and then wear out. In the battle of preseason overhyped quarterbacks, give me Arch Manning over DJ Lagway.
Edgar Thompson, Florida Gators writer: Florida 20, Texas 17
Billy Napier’s Gators rise to the occasion at the Swamp in a must-win game for an embattled coach and a team on a three-game skid. DJ Lagway finally finds some rhythm to get the better of Arch Manning during a battle of callow signal callers who have fallen well shy of preseason expectations. Two stout defenses continue their stellar play, but a raucous, sold-out Swamp ultimately carries Florida to a victory that still might not be enough to save Napier unless his team can build on it.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Florida 17, Texas 14
The Gators and No. 9 Longhorns are in similar spots early in the year. Both teams have good defenses and touted quarterbacks who have struggled early in the year. Texas quarterback Arch Manning put together a good performance against Sam Houston State, but struggled against Ohio State and UTEP. Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has yet to have a good game. But coming off a bye week and with Billy Napier’s job possibly on the line, this is the Gators’ Alamo. They can make a last stand and pull off a big upset.
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes writer: Texas 24, Florida 13
Texas quarterback Arch Manning has been shaky in two of his four games, with Ohio State and (somehow) UTEP keeping him in check. Florida’s defense can do that, as well, after causing high-end quarterbacks like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Miami’s Carson Beck issues in their wins over Florida. But ultimately, UF’s offense has been putrid, and you need to score to win.
