Tennessee football at Florida: 10 keys to the game
1. Vols rush defense vs. Florida rush offense
Something’s got to give. Tennessee football has the No. 5 ranked rush defense in the nation, allowing just 54.3 yards per game. They are No. 4 in yards allowed per rush at just over one and a half. Simply put, this defensive line has been elite for the Vols through three games.
On the other side, though, Florida has the No. 2 ranked rushing offense nationally, averaging over 335 yards per game on the ground. Their yards per carry average of over seven and a half is good for No. 2 also. Both of their quarterbacks, Emory Jones and Anthony Richardson, have over 200 rushing yards this year, as does running back Malik Davis, and they all have two touchdowns.
Then there’s Dameon Pierce, who leads UF in touchdowns with five. They are loaded with weapons all over and will easily be the toughest test for this Vols’ defensive line. So which one will give? Well, you have to think the advantage is Florida’s.
UT hasn’t faced any serious rushing attack yet, so their averages could be completely about their opponents. Remember, even Pitt has a poor rushing attack. On the other side, nobody will accuse Florida of dodging an elite defense. They had 245 yards on the ground just last week against Nick Saban and Alabama, so it’s safe to say they have the talent.
All this comes down to whether or not Tennessee football’s rush defense is legitimate or a product of its schedule. If it’s legitimate, this is the matchup to see. The Vols’ defensive line has done its job, as Aubrey Solomon, Matthew Butler and Tyler Baron have all made plays.
The case for and against each Vols QB. dark. Next
However, depth could be an issue. Remember, they allowed that bad Pitt team to earn two first downs to run out the clock while keeping it on the ground because they were tired. That’s another reason Florida has the edge, but we’re about to see how it works out throughout the course of a game against an elite Power Five foe.