Texas blows 14-point lead, Arch Manning experiences first home loss as questions mount in Austin
The Longhorns were up 17-3 after Ryan Niblett returned a punt for a touchdown to give the Horns a two-score lead midway through the second quarter while their opponent, the Florida Gators, looked hapless.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Then something flipped.TEXAS LONGHORNS FAVORED BY 11.5 OVER FLORIDA GATORS DESPITE BACK-TO-BACK STRUGGLES IN SEC FOOTBALLThe Gators buckled down, adopting the hard-nosed mentality that head coach Jon Sumrall has been trying to impart on them since their blowout loss to Missouri two weeks ago, and outscored Texas 24-7 over the final two and a half quarters to nab a signature win.Jon Sumrall, Head coach of the Florida Gators looks on after a game against the Campbell Fighting Camels at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 12, 2026 in Gainesville, Florida.(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) (James Gilbert/Getty Images)Florida could have easily folded, especially given the two-game losing streak they came in on, coupled with the loss of starting quarterback Aaron Philo and top wideout Vernell Brown III.Instead, the Gators turned to Tramell Jones, making his first collegiate start in a venue that has not been kind to opposing teams or quarterbacks.Jones turned in a yeoman's effort, going 22-35 for 155 passing yards and two touchdowns while also keeping the Longhorn defense honest with his legs.Running back Jadan Baugh started to look like his old self as well (25 carries for 91 yards and a score), which certainly helped Florida and Jones by extension.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEHead coach Jon Sumrall of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Oct.
17, 2026, in Austin, Texas.(Getty Images)For Texas, this loss leaves a team that was a national championship favorite just t...