AUSTIN, Texas — Quinn Ewers passed for 333 yards and five touchdowns and Texas No. 5’s 49-17 rout of Florida on Saturday, two days after third-year Gators coach Billy Napier received a public statement of support from the school’s athletic director. .

Ewers connected on open passes to Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm for touchdowns in the first quarter. Quintrevion Wisner took a screen pass 50 yards for a score before Ewers connected with Golden again 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 said the Longhorns have struggled to find their offensive rhythm in recent weeks, but they made big play after big play against the Gators.

Ewers’ easy day could have been even bigger if not for some deep throws thrown 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 is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Warner, who was the team’s third-stringer when the season began, was 12 of 25 passing for 132 yards and two interceptions.

Take away

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

Texas: After allowing 11 sacks over the last two games, the offensive line protected Ewers well most of the day. He was sacked on the opening drive, but was rarely harassed again. Some quick reads and short passes also kept up the pressure. Texas wants to avoid hits on Ewers that could aggravate a nagging abdominal strain.

Further on

Florida hosts No. 14 LSU next Saturday.

Texas plays at Arkansas next Saturday.