Florida Looks to End Six‑Game Road Skid as Gators Visit Auburn in SEC Opener
Florida linebacker Myles Graham welcomes the challenge of playing on the road in the unforgiving Southeastern Conference. He embraces the noise, the hostility and even the possibility of debris flying from the stands.
“It’s thousands and thousands of people that want to see you fail,” Graham said. “And there’s nothing like just having that bond with your brothers and going in there and doing your thing. There’s nothing like it.”
That feeling only lasts if you win.
Florida enters Saturday night’s SEC opener at Auburn having lost six straight away from the Swamp. The Gators, 2‑0 under Jon Sumrall, are slight 2.5‑point favorites as they look to reverse a troubling trend in one of the league’s toughest environments.
It’s a pivotal early‑season matchup for both programs, with Sumrall and Auburn coach Alex Golesh each seeking a signature victory.
Sumrall Still Searching for Answers at Jordan‑Hare
Sumrall is 0‑4 against Auburn, including 0‑2 at Jordan‑Hare Stadium. He experienced lopsided road losses there as a Kentucky linebacker in 2004 and again as a Wildcats assistant in 2020.
“They’ve had a great home‑field advantage there for a long time,” Sumrall said. “We have to handle that challenge.”
Saturday will also mark the first road start for quarterback Aaron Philo, who has been efficient through two games. Philo has thrown for 517 yards with five touchdowns and one interception, adding two rushing scores. His composure will be tested by 88,000 Auburn fans.
“He’s been really, really steady,” Sumrall said. “If he plays like he’s played through the first part of this year, he will give us a chance to win every week.”
Subplots Surrounding the SEC Opener
Sumrall Nearly Became Auburn’s Coach
Auburn targeted Sumrall to replace Hugh Freeze last year, but Florida landed him after Lane Kiffin chose LSU. Had Sumrall taken the Auburn job, he likely would have brought offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and Philo with him.
Sumrall’s wife and several family members are Auburn graduates. Asked whether he worries about divided loyalties, Sumrall didn’t hesitate.
“If I do, they’re not family to me,” he joked. “Florida pays my mortgage.”
Auburn’s Familiar Faces
Golesh, quarterback Byrum Brown and about a dozen Auburn players beat Florida in the Swamp last season while at South Florida, an 18‑16 upset that accelerated Billy Napier’s departure.
“We’re not worried about that game,” Graham said. “It doesn’t matter to this game now, but it gives us experience.”
Eric Singleton Jr.’s Return
Florida receiver Eric Singleton Jr. returns to Auburn for the first time since transferring in January. Singleton missed last week’s game after spraining his left ankle and was in a walking boot. Sumrall called him “very, very, very limited” and questionable.
“Is there a shot? Yes,” Sumrall said.
Singleton caught 58 passes for 534 yards and three touchdowns last season. He admitted in April he “most definitely” circled this game.
Golesh Remembers Tulane’s Rout
Golesh hasn’t forgotten his lone head‑to‑head matchup with Sumrall. Sumrall’s Tulane team beat South Florida 45‑10 two years ago.
“If you wanted to have a really, really rough morning, you could have sat with me and watched that again — for maybe the 200th time,” Golesh said. “And, again, wanted to throw up.”
