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Texas vs. Florida prediction, pick, odds, spread: Longhorns look for rebound against free-falling Gators

The Texas Longhorns aim to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Oklahoma by targeting Florida, a team in free fall after back-to-back SEC defeats. With the Longhorns slipping six spots in the AP Poll, coach Steve Sarkisian is banking on Florida’s defensive struggles—ranked last in the SEC in total defense, pass defense, and explosive plays allowed—to provide an opening for Texas’s offense.

Quarterback Arch Manning, however, remains under scrutiny after throwing four interceptions and four touchdown passes in Power Five games, including a costly pick-six in the Oklahoma loss. His inconsistency, coupled with 12 sacks through five games, adds pressure as Texas looks to capitalize on Florida’s defensive vulnerabilities, including a lack of answers to stop elite pass rushers like Colin Simmons, who leads college football with 9.5 sacks and dominated Tennessee last month.

Florida’s defensive woes extend beyond Manning’s struggles, as head coach Billy Sumrall admitted to dysfunctional progress and faced boos from fans after a blowout loss to South Carolina. The Gators’ inability to contain edge rushers like Simmons—who recorded five sacks in the Tennessee win—has left them without a clear path to stopping the bleeding.

With Texas’s star running back, Colin Simmons, poised to make another impact, the Longhorns have a chance to use Florida’s defensive collapse as a springboard to regain momentum in the College Football Playoff race.

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