Jadan Baugh carries the load to earn him offensive player of the game

Florida‘s first real test this season came against the Auburn Tigers on Saturday. Despite playing inferior competition the first two weeks of the season, the Gators’ offense was still operating like a well-oiled machine.

The Orange and Blue left Jordan-Hare Stadium with a 44-39 win. Plenty of penalties set this team back on drives and put them in positions to start drives further than expected, but they were still able to march the field multiple times to find the end zone.

Aaron Philo commanded the offense and served as a leader for the men who took the field, but without the workhorse back that is Jadan Baugh, Florida’s offense may have stalled in a few of those drives. For his efforts, Baugh earned Gators Wire’s offensive player of the game for Week 3.

The All-SEC running back has done nothing but meet and exceed preseason expectations. In his SEC opener, he rushed for 162 yards and scored three times. Two of his touchdowns were 33 and 53 yards long, showing he’s not just a bruiser and can explode for big gains.

Among all running backs in the country who have played at least three games this season, Baugh is the highest-graded player at his position, according to PFF.

PFF also lists Baugh’s breakaway percentage as the highest, showing his able to make defenders miss a routine.

What is making the Florida running backs season so impressive is his efficiency. So far this season, Baugh is tied for first in rushing touchdowns with eight. He is also second in total rushing yards despite having significantly fewer carries than the leading rusher.

Baugh’s early-season efficiency will be costly as Florida gets deep into conference play, but for now, it earns him his second Gators Wire offensive player of the game.

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