Florida HC Jon Sumrall Sent Serious Warning to Defenders About Jobs
· Yahoo Sports
The mood wasn't totally celebratory on Saturday after Jon Sumrall earned his first win as head coach of the Florida Gators.
The Gators got off to a fast start against Florida Atlantic, taking a 17-0 lead in the first quarter. FAU showed life in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns but trailing Florida 38-14 at the half.
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Florida's offense continued dominating, earning a 66-21 win in front of 90,295 fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
When speaking to reporters after the game, Sumrall said he was displeased with the play of some of his defenders, noting some jobs could be on the line.
“Our defense was atrocious at times, quite honestly. We had a hard time keeping pace with them,” Sumrall said, via Only Gators. “… I don’t think we’re as good as we think we are. I think we got some guys who feel like we’ve arrived in some spots. That will be addressed.
“We’ve got a lot of room to grow on defense. If it doesn’t happen real fast, we’re going to get embarrassed and exposed pretty handily in some spots because that was not a great performance by us.”
Florida won the battle in total yards 624-396.
Still, the Gators let FAU pass for 276 yards and rush for 120 yards. There is room for improvement before Florida starts its SEC schedule against Auburn on Sept. 19.
Florida running back Jadan Baugh had a solid start to the campaign. He rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries.
Sumrall said the offense will continue to rely on the star back.
“I tell (offensive coordinator) Buster (Faulkner) all the time, ‘If you don’t know what to do, hand it to 13 (Baugh). That will work usually,'” Sumrall said. “He’s phenomenal. He’s a great kid, every bit as good as I thought he would be.
"Very glad he’s a Florida Gator. Loved his play style. Loved his demeanor. … [Loved] his enthusiasm for seeing his teammates have success.”
Florida has one more tune-up game before things get serious for Sumrall and the defense. The Gators will host Campbell on Saturday.
“I tell Buster all the time, ‘If you don’t know what to do, hand it to 13. That will work usually,'” Sumrall said of Baugh. “He’s phenomenal. He’s a great kid, every bit as good as I thought he would be. Very glad he’s a Florida Gator. Loved his play style. Loved his demeanor. … [Loved] his enthusiasm for seeing his teammates have success.
“Our defense was atrocious at times, quite honestly. We had a hard time keeping pace with them,” Sumrall explained. “… I don’t think we’re as good as we think we are. Think we got some guys who feel like we’ve arrived in some spots. That will be addressed.
“We’ve got a lot of room to grow on defense. If it doesn’t happen real fast, we’re going to get embarrassed and exposed pretty handily in some spots because that was not a great performance by us.”