![Florida Head Coach Jon Sumrall speaks during Florida Football Fall camp availability at Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_5000,h_2812/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ReutersImages/mmsport/213/01m1hryren7nyx2gfamb.jpg "Florida Head Coach Jon Sumrall speaks during Florida Football Fall camp availability at Heavener Football Training Center in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]")
Jon Sumrall made it clear this week that he defined success as going 1-0. At first glance, the Gators should wipe the floor with FAU, and there isn’t much of a reason why this game should be closer. But to their credit, FAU does have a high-flying offense that could create some issues if Florida isn’t orgainized.
So, keeping in mind that Florida won its opener last year 55-0 against LIU but there were warning signs present, these are four things we would like to see from the Gators to define Week One as a success, beyond just going 1-0.
Four things Florida needs to do for Week One to be a success
Offensive line needs to dominate
If we rewind to last year, one of the massive warning signs that there was trouble in paradise was Florida giving up eight QB pressures to LIU. That simply can’t happen when facing an overmatched opponent.
We heard a ton about the offensive line during the spring, and they didn’t look great at the spring game. Sumrall seems to feel they have been making strides, but on Saturday, if this unit can’t block FAU, should we have faith they can hold up once SEC play begins?
Aaron Philo has accuracy north of 60%
There has been a ton made about whether or not Aaron Philo has arm strength. What is probably the fairest assessment is that he has plenty of strength; he just doesn’t have the touch to get it to the spot it needs to be on time.
Which means if deep passes are still a question mark, he needs to be on the money from 15 yards and in. Similar to the offensive line needing to dominate, if Philo’s strength is his knowledge of the offense, he needs to be able to exploit a team like FAU and if he can’t be north of 60%, there are concerns.
Defense is ready for FAU’s pace
Sumrall touched upon the warp speed at which FAU plays at. Last year the Owls took 21.4 seconds per play, tied with USF for the fastest offense in the country. If nothing else, Saturday will be a great chance for Sumrall to showcase just how prepared and organized he is as a coach.
Because FAU’s talent level has nothing to do with whether or not Florida can get set and orgainized in time. If things look like a mess, we will have questions.
Have 11 players on the field for special teams
Another area that has nothing to do with the opponent. Sumrall has been well aware of Florida’s past struggles to have the correct number of players on the field.
But it’s one thing to be aware of the problem, and it’s another thing to make sure the problem is fixed. Saturday will be his chance to showcase whether his organization is on point.
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