AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns came out of an open week well-rested and dangerous, as evidenced by their 49-17 throttling of Florida on Saturday.
The Longhorns struggled in their two games prior to their recent open week, losing to Georgia at home and eking out a close win at Vanderbilt the following week. But there was no sign of sluggishness on Saturday, as Texas dominated a beat-up Florida team.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers was sensational, throwing for 333 yards and five touchdowns in three quarters of play. Ewers spread the ball around effectively, as five receivers each had three catches.
Running back Jaydon Blue led the Longhorns in receiving, tallying 60 yards on three catches while also adding 60 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Jerrick Gibson led the Longhorns' rushing attack, tallying 100 yards on 16 carries while the team ran for 210 yards total.
The Longhorns' defense was able to totally neutralize a depleted Gator offense, holding third-string quarterback Aidan Warner to just 132 yards through the air and two interceptions. All of Florida's points came in the second half, when the Longhorns had already put a stranglehold on the game.
The win puts the Longhorns at 8-1 on the season and still in prime position to reach the SEC Championship game if they continue their winning ways. The Longhorns will face Arkansas on the road next week, before facing Kentucky in their home finale on Nov. 23 and heading up to College Station for a massive game against Texas A&M in the regular season finale on Nov. 30.