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Tennessee football: Five takeaways from Vols 31-19 loss to Florida

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) runs for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) runs for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) looks to pass the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Kyle Trask (11) looks to pass the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. There were too many inconsistencies in the pass rush.

Given the fact that they were facing a Heisman candidate, Tennessee football’s secondary could have been a lot worse. The Vols did stop the Florida Gators on a fourth down play and made Kyle Trask look sluggish at times.

A huge problem in this game, though, was the lack of a consistent pass rush. UT had moments, including sacks from Tyler Baron and Ja’Quain Blakely, but they were only moments. If they got a sack on a drive, they would fail to get pressure on the next down.

This happened on the scoring drive that put Florida up 17-7 in the first half. Florida converted a 3rd and 11 one play after UT had a tackle for a loss. They then completed a 3rd and 12 two plays after Baron’s sack. Yes, there were multiple screens and misdirection plays, but often times, Trask completed impressive passes because he had plenty of time to throw the ball.

The surprise dismissal of Kivon Bennett earlier in the week may have had an impact on this, but the Vols in general needed to get a better push up front. That had as much to do with the secondary struggles as anything.

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