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Florida's defense finally decided to push back and Arch Manning felt the pain

Florida’s defense needed a turnaround game after two weeks where their were question marks about the unit.
ByAlexis Farinacci
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Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) makes a catch while defended by Florida Gators cornerback Cormani McClain (25) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) makes a catch while defended by Florida Gators cornerback Cormani McClain (25) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It took solid performances in all three phases to take down Arch Manning and the No. 7 Texas Longhorns on the road and that’s just what Florida Gators did.

But one phase definitely stood out and it was the defense’s ability to turn things around after giving up 45 points to Missouri and 38 points to South Carolina.

Through one quarter on Saturday, the Gators defense looked lost, but from the second quarter until the final buzzer sounded, they proved their worth, holding Manning and the Longhorns offense to a fourth-quarter score after Florida had run off 24 straight points.

Florida’s defense totaled 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks. They deflected two passes as well.

Florida shocks No. 7 behind inspired effort from defense

After Florida scored first in the third to tie the game, the defense shut down Manning. The Gators had three sacks and kept Manning hurried in the pocket.

Myles Graham had seven tackles in the second half, including a sack, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hit; LJ MrCray had two tackles (including one for a loss), and one and a half sacks. Ty Jackson stepped up big for a half sack and had a crucial fourth down stop in the fourth.

The biggest play though,  the forced fumble by Graham in the fourth that sealed the deal for the Gators. That hit gave the Gators the ball back and allowed them to take three knees and close it out.

Florida’s defense needed a turnaround game after two weeks where their were question marks as if a change in coaching staff and who was calling the shots on defense was necessary. But they came out and shut down Texas, leaving Manning and Steve Sarkisian searching for answers.

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