AUSTIN, Texas – – Quinn Ewers passed for 333 yards and five touchdowns as No. 5 Texas rolled over struggling Florida 49-17 on Saturday, two days after third-year Gators coach Billy Napier received a public statement of support from the school. sporting director.

Ewers connected on open passes to Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm for touchdowns in the first quarter. Quintrevion Wisner took a 50-yard screen pass for a score before Ewers reconnected with Golden for a 32-yard strike in the second.

Texas (8-1, 4-1 Southeastern Conference, No. 5 CFP) led 35-0 at halftime.

Coach Steve Sarkisian had said the Longhorns had struggled to find their rhythm offensively in recent weeks, but they made big play after big play against the Gators.

Ewers’ easy day could have been even greater if not for a few deep throws by the receivers. He was replaced by Arch Manning in the third quarter after his fifth touchdown pass.

Florida (4-5, 2-4) started Yale transfer Aidan Warner at quarterback as freshman DJ Lagway continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Warner, who was third team when the season started, was 12 of 25 passing for 132 yards and two interceptions.

The takeaway

Florida: Going on the road will only raise questions about athletic director Scott Stricklin’s decision to give Napier such a public show of support for another season. The loss drops Napier’s record to 15-19. Tough losses to rivals Tennessee and Georgia had suggested the program was improving even if they didn’t win, but the Gators were overwhelmed by Texas.

Texas: After allowing 11 sacks in the previous two games, the offensive line protected Ewers well for most of the day. He was sacked on the opening stage but was rarely bothered again. Some quick reads and short passes also kept the pressure off. Texas wants to avoid hits on Ewers that could worsen a nagging stomach ache.

Next

Florida hosts No. 14 LSU next Saturday.

Texas plays at Arkansas next Saturday.

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