If you thought cowboy hats were reserved for Matthew McConaughey on the sidelines at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, think again.
Jon Sumrall is stealing that swag. And rightfully so.
After coaching his Florida Gators to a 27-24 victory over No. 7 of Texas on the road, Sumrall outscored the Longhorns in spectacular fashion, literally. He was wearing a black cowboy hat when he left the stadium.
Sumrall recorded his second upset of a top-10 SEC opponent in just his first season in Gainesville after Florida defeated Ole Miss in the season opener.
On Saturday, Florida’s ground attack continued to roll, totaling 158 yards. Running back Jadan Baugh rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. added 41 yards and found Lacota Dippre for two touchdowns.
The Gators prevailed because they contained quarterback Arch Manning, who had a costly fumble as the Longhorns were driving a field goal.
Before that, Florida scored 24 unanswered points to take a 27-17 lead. After trailing 17-3 at halftime, Jones and Dippre connected for two touchdowns on back-to-back drives, the second a 15-play, 69-yard march. Then Baugh rushed for an 11-yard touchdown to extend the lead.
Sumrall’s game plan to pressure Manning and force him to make plays outside the pocket, or under pressure, was effective.
The first-year SEC head coach, who came to Florida after two successful seasons at Tulane, wore the metaphorical head coach’s hat as a vet. Then, after leading the Gators to victory Saturday, he donned a real, Texas-Cowboy-style hat.