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Emmanuel Oyebadejo stands out for Florida's defense against Auburn
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- Emmanuel Oyebadejo stands out for Florida's defense against Auburn
The Florida defense opened up SEC play in Week 3, taking on the second-worst scoring offense in the conference. Though they haven't had the cleanest outings so far this season, they showed that they can make big plays when it matters.
Against the Auburn Tigers , the Gators allowed only 102 rushing yards, and 65 of those came from quarterback Byrum Brown . The Gators' stifling run defense can be credited to their front seven, who also got to the quarterback 7 times. The last time that happened for Florida was in the 2024 season.
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Multiple players on the Gators' defensive front contributed to the onslaught on backfield appearances, but Emmanuel Oyebadejo consistently wreaked havoc for the Tigers, earning him Gators Wire's defensive player of the gamefor Week 3
Oyebadejo's final stat line for the Gators was four tackles, three of which were solo, plus two-and-a-half sacks and tackles for a loss. He also added a pass deflection as well.
The Florida defensive lineman was the highest-graded defender in the game against Auburn and the highest-graded pass rusher, with grades of 84.5 and 85.7, respectively. Of his seven total pressures, PFF credits Oyebadejo with four sacks in the Gators' road victory, with the other three counting as quarterback hurries.
With elite quarterback play throughout the conference, a consistent pass rush will be costly if the Gators want to be a formidable team.
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh and Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) runs against Auburn Tigers defenders during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball with pressure from Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) pitches the ball to running back Jadan Baugh (13) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators cornerback Cormani McClain (25) celebrates his interception as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall high fives kicker Patrick Durkin (91) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) avoids a sack from Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators safety Cam Dooley (10) grabs Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Vernell Brown III (1) is tackled by Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Champ Anthony (1) moves in to tackle Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) scores a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators defenders tackled Auburn Tigers running back Bryson Washington (30) during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall disputes a call with the official as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers running back Bryson Washington (30) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (22) is called for defensive pass interference on Florida Gators wide receiver Vernell Brown III (1) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) catches a touchdown pass as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) is tripped up by Auburn Tigers safety Kaleb Harris (8) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) is sacked by Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The Athletic grades Florida's Jon Sumrall, SEC first-year coaches
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh and Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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The Athletic grades Florida's Jon Sumrall, SEC first-year coaches
Auburn Tigers head coach Alex Golesh and Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall talk during warm ups before Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) runs against Auburn Tigers defenders during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball with pressure from Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) pitches the ball to running back Jadan Baugh (13) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Florida bumped up into top 15 of ESPN's power rankings after Week 3
Florida Gators cornerback Cormani McClain (25) celebrates his interception as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Jon Sumrall's first four games at Florida
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall high fives kicker Patrick Durkin (91) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) avoids a sack from Auburn Tigers edge Da'Shawn Womack (15) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators safety Cam Dooley (10) grabs Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Florida's FPI ranking slips while other metrics improve
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Vernell Brown III (1) is tackled by Auburn Tigers linebacker Elijah Melendez (9) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Champ Anthony (1) moves in to tackle Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Florida makes huge jump in The Athletic's re-rank after beating Auburn
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) scores a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Instant reactions from Florida's road win against Auburn in SEC opener
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators running back Duke Clark (20) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Florida beats Auburn: Final score, highlights from Week 3's SEC opener
Sep 19, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Florida Gators defenders tackled Auburn Tigers running back Bryson Washington (30) during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
(John Reed, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Jon Sumrall's first four games at Florida
Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall disputes a call with the official as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Auburn Tigers running back Bryson Washington (30) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Five key takeaways from Florida's first SEC win against Auburn
Auburn Tigers defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (22) is called for defensive pass interference on Florida Gators wide receiver Vernell Brown III (1) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Auburn Tigers wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) catches a touchdown pass as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida vs Auburn in Week 3's SEC opener
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) is tripped up by Auburn Tigers safety Kaleb Harris (8) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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Florida promoted in CBS Sports' college football re-rank after Week 3
Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) is sacked by Auburn Tigers linebacker Xavier Atkins (17) as Auburn Tigers take on Florida Gators at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Florida Gators lead Auburn Tigers 20-17 at halftime.
(Jake Crandall/ Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Emmanuel Oyebadejo stands out for Florida's defense against Auburn
