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Tennessee football at Florida: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 3, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the second half between the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the second half between the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs with the ball during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football
Tennessee running back Tiyon Evans (8) runs with the ball during a NCAA football game against Tennessee Tech at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Kns Tennessee Tenn Tech Football /

5. Vols running backs’ efficiency against elite Florida rush defense

Welcome a to a huge Florida advantage. Tennessee football doesn’t have a bad rush defense on paper. In fact, the Vols are ranked No. 23 in rushing yards per game with over 218, and their average of just over four and a half yards per carry is in the top 50. However, most of that has come from the quarterbacks, Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton III.

The running backs have struggled severely. After both Jabari Small and Tiyon Evans went for over 100 yards in the opener, they each missed a game due to injury. In their absence, the other running back failed to average even three yards a carry. Jaylen Wright, the No. 3 running back on the list, is averaging right at three yards a carry.

Meanwhile, Florida has a good rush defense. They are ranked No. 26 nationally in limiting yards, holding foes to 92.7 per game on the ground. Their efficiency is even better and ranked at No. 20, as they hold opponents to just over two and a half yards per carry.

As a result, Florida has a huge advantage here, and the question is if the Vols’ running backs can get anything going. If they struggle like they did against Pitt and even TTU, Florida could render this offense completely useless given what Josh Heupel likes to do. Then a blowout will ensue.

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