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The Florida Gators (2-0) defeated the Campbell Fighting Camels (2-1) 52-3 on Saturday. Behind an electric performance from sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III, Florida started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2021. With this performance, head coach Jon Sumrall became the Florida coach with the most points (118) scored in his first two games.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: The game was out of reach for the Camels when Vernell Brown III dominated the second quarter. With Florida up 10-3, he took over with two consecutive punt return touchdowns. His touchdowns went for 64 and 70 yards, with Brown III having to break tackles and weave in and out of Camels on his way to the end zone. On these returns, he showed Campbell what he can do when he gets the ball in space, and this is what put the game out of reach. He used his speed on the second return to elude the Camel defenders, and the first one required him to showcase his agility.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Two of Florida’s five players they pushed hard to retain in the offseason stole the show on Saturday. Brown III added a receiving touchdown to cap off a three-touchdown second quarter, giving him four touchdowns on the season after none as a freshman. Sophomore wide receiver Dallas Wilson made the biggest receiving impact, as he had a 40-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The receiver duo showed in the second quarter how they can completely take a game over and provide a much-needed momentum swing.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: Junior running back Jadan Baugh added on to his electric start to the season, rushing for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. He had a career-long 75-yard touchdown rush late in the third quarter, juking out a defender and winning a foot race to the end zone. Baugh also added a two-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Wilson had five catches for 104 yards, along with his touchdown. Brown III became the first Florida punt returner with two punt return touchdowns in the same games since Jacquez Green against Kentucky in 1996. Junior quarterback Aaron Philo was able to move the ball through the air with ease, as he went 16/21 with 242 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown in the first quarter.
MOST-IMPROVED UNIT: After giving up 21 points and almost 400 yards last game, the defense improved on that total. After a field goal from Campbell on the opening drive, the defense didn’t allow any points the rest of the game. Florida’s defense allowed just over 200 yards and forced two fumbles, giving them a confidence boost heading into the matchup against Auburn.
WHAT A PLAY: It comes down to Brown III’s two punt returns as to which one was the best play of the game. Despite being the shorter of the two, Brown III’s 64-yard punt return is the play of the game. He eluded a Campbell tackler who almost ripped his helmet off and juked two more, following his blockers and helping create his path to the end zone. He showcased his ability to elude multiple tacklers on this play, and it helped snatch momentum for Florida.
UP NEXT: Florida faces its first true test of the season. They will open conference play on Saturday, September 19 at 7 pm at Jordan-Hare Stadium against the Auburn Tigers. This will be Florida’s first trip to Jordan-Hare since 2011 and the first time the teams have met since a 24-13 Florida win in Gainesville in 2019.
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