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Tennessee football: Five reasons Vols can upset Florida Gators

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images
Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images /

3. Florida’s rushing attack is struggling.

A staple of Dan Mullen’s spread offense is a very aggressive rushing attack. However, that has not been the case for the Florida Gators through the first three weeks. In fact, the ground game has been beyond abysmal, and it’s a major point of concern, especially with the rising issues at quarterback in The Swamp.

Florida has the No. 91 ranked rushing offense in the nation, averaging just over four and a half yards a carry and gaining just over 140 yards a game. By the way, they are one of the top 25 teams in fewest sacks allowed, so sacks aren’t even skewing that number, which isn’t great at the college level. It’s an issue worth looking at.

Meanwhile, their star offensive player entering the year, Lamical Perine, is only averaging three and a half yards a carry through three games. He only has 120 yards on the ground as well. Now, he does have 63 receiving yards, but the fact that he can’t pick up a lot on the ground is concerning for Mullen’s team. This was not what anybody expected out of him starting the season.

Tennessee football’s defensive line, meanwhile, is starting to come on after looking awful in its opener. Meanwhile, Henry To’oTo’o and Jeremy Banks are developing at inside linebacker for the Vols to help stop the run. As a result, UT might have just what it takes to shut down the Gator rushing attack, and that could severely neutralize Mullen’s offense.

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