Alright, buckle up, college football fans, because we’re a third of the way through the season and some of these new offensive coordinator and quarterback pairings are already making huge waves. The biggest splash? Florida just earned an ‘A+’ for its new tandem of offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner and quarterback Aaron Philo, with an offense that’s already putting up monster numbers. Seriously, they’ve scored 50+ points in three of their four games this season. Think about that: that’s more 50-point games than Billy Napier had in his *entire* tenure before this!
Philo and Faulkner: The A+ Chemistry We Didn’t See Coming
When it comes to hitting the ground running, Philo and Faulkner are practically sprinting. While they’re in new surroundings with fresh talent, their chemistry is undeniable because Philo actually backed up Haynes King at Georgia Tech under Faulkner before. Now, with the pieces left from Napier’s Gators, this offense is straight-up cooking. Beyond those eye-popping 50+ point performances, Florida also ranks among the top three teams nationally for plays of 20+ yards.
Yeah, Jadan Baugh is getting all the headlines, and he deserves it, but Philo is the real point guard making this offense tick. They’ve got so many weapons it’s wild: Vernell Brown III, Dallas Wilson, Bailey Stockton (another Georgia Tech transfer!), Amir Jackson, TJ Abrams. Any of those guys can burn you. Even Auburn transfer Eric Singleton, who played for Faulkner at Georgia Tech in 2023 and 2024, has barely seen the field due to injury, and they’re *still* crushing it. Philo isn’t just a passer, either, he’s even adding to the rushing attack on his own. This pairing is passing with flying colors early on.
Cal’s QB: Natural Talent Still Brewing, While Others Struggle
Down in California, the story’s a bit different. Coordinator Jordan Somerville and quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele have some serious natural talent on their hands with Sagapolutele, but the big question is when that ability will truly get refined. Cal has clearly tried to load him up with more talented receivers via the transfer portal…
This whole season is turning into a real progress report for these crucial OC-QB marriages. For some programs, getting this combo right is absolutely make-or-break for a head coach’s entire run. You see teams like Oregon and Texas A&M, where the choice between an internal promotion or bringing in new blood from outside is a huge litmus test. And speaking of Texas A&M, they’re definitely one of the ones “failing” right now, which just goes to show how vital it is to nail this combination in today’s college football, especially when quarterbacks are paid like the premier position they are. It’s only a third of the way through, but the narratives for these programs are already being written.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply