The initial availability report ahead of the Florida Gators and the Texas Longhorns' matchup has yet to come out, but rumors are coming out of Gainesville, and it's a mixed bag of what the Horns should expect on Saturday.
On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Pete Thamel shared updates on both Florida quarterback Aaron Philo and wide receiver Vernell Brown III.
Read more: Early odds have Texas putting up a strong response vs. Florida after Red River Rivalry loss
Brown, who has been out with a knee injury, is reportedly looking as close as he has been to returning, whereas the status of Philo is highly up in the air. So, how could the Gators' offense look with or without either player in the lineup?
Vernell Brown III's possible return could add heat to Florida's hybrid scheme
Brown missed Florida's last two games with his injury, both of which were losses for the Gators. His return could add an absolutely dynamic playmaker back into the rotation, giving whichever quarterback is in the backfield a massive target to connect with.
Through the first four games of the season, he earned a team-leading 271 yards and two receiving touchdowns on just 17 catches, averaging nearly 16 yards per reception.
Brown's abilities, partnered with fellow wideouts Dallas Wilson and Bailey Stockton, as well as star running back Jaden Baugh, create a dual-threat offense that Texas could have a difficult time containing if it is at full force.
Texas defensive line could eat Tramell Jones Jr. alive if Aaron Philo is out
However, even if Brown is back in the lineup, the Gators could be relying on a backup quarterback, with Philo's status expected to start the week as "questionable."
Philo started in Florida's first six games of the season, completing 105 of his pass attempts (70.5%) to amass 1,341 passing yards for nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Florida's backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. has only had 64 pass attempts in his college career.
Jones, a sophomore, has completed 23 of 29 pass attempts this season, earning 252 passing yards, but he has thrown an equal number of touchdowns and interceptions, with the picks coming against the Campbell Fighting Camels and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
His inexperience sets up the already-dominant Texas defense, led by stars like Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles, to absolutely eat him alive in the pocket. In other words, Florida better hope their usual go-to guy is available on Saturday.
Steve Sarkisian remains tight-lipped about availability ahead of Florida-Texas
With the first SEC-mandated availability reports not coming out until Wednesday night, the Longhorns and head coach Steve Sarkisian have yet to give any indication as to which players will be all in or entirely out against Florida.
Of course, last week saw the return of running back Hollywood Smothers and tight end Nick Townsend, who both contributed on the offensive side of the ball.
However, the return of defensive lineman Justus Terry and defensive back Xavier Filsaime is still up in the air, both of whom could help shut down Philo or Brown.
In other words, Texas is going to have to wait at least a few hours until Sarksisian releases the Horns' initial availability report, and can bank on that changing on a daily basis until the game kicks off.
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