Florida football: First half takeaways against Tennessee Volunteers

We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but Florida football may be hurting itself more than Tennessee is. But, the Gators hold a 17-0 lead over the Volunteers in the first half.

While Florida football’s lead should be about 21-0, there have been some big bright spots in the first half against the Volunteers.

We’ve seen the defense come up big, a new quarterback shows a ton of poise and even some movement with the Florida running game.

All of this in a rivalry game.

Here are some takeaways from the first half of Florida football against Tennessee:

Keep the pressure on

When we press the corners, Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano struggles. He is looking to throw to the outside, but pressure is forcing mistakes by the redshirt junior quarterback.

I like that Todd Grantham is being more aggressive on defense, but we have to continue going with what works.

The Gators are able to control the tempo of the play as Tennessee is responding to what we bring them, not trying to set the terms on the field.

We have to continue to take advantage of that as we have two interceptions — including a big one in the end zone to stall a drive and erase a Florida fumble deep in Tennessee territory in the first quarter.

Loving Trask to Pitts

The Kyles are making a strong case for the offense being a quarterback-to-tight end set.

Kyle Trask completed three throws to tight end Kyle Pitts in the first 20 minutes of the game — one for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Pitts is a big target and Tennessee is leaving him wide open, choosing to cover the outside and not the middle — figuring Florida football’s wide receivers were more dangerous.

As it turns out, the Volunteers are struggling to cover either the receivers or the tight end.

Trask is cool and collected

The redshirt junior started the game going 7-for-9 with 142 yards a touchdown and, more importantly, no interceptions.

It would seem that Trask wanted to take full advantage of his time on the field following last week’s season-ending injury to Feleipe Franks.

Trask had a quarterback rating of 247.0 before Emory Jones came in with 8 minutes left in the half to take snaps.

It looks like the offense responds well to Trask and he has been very smart with how he handled himself in the pocket.

By the way, Trask amassed more than 200 yards passing in the first half, so he’s got that going for him, which is nice.

(Knock on wood) he hasn’t forced anything silly, which shows he is gaining more and more confidence … something we need to see more of.

Gator defense continues to shine

This defense has been called in time after time in the first four games of the season to bail out the lackluster play of the offense.

While the first half wasn’t really lackluster by the Florida football offense, the defense still played lights out.

While Guarantano did well enough, it seemed his teammates were spooked by the Gators’ defense all first half.

Jon Greenard had two pass break-ups while Marco Wilson and Trey Dean each had interceptions, halting any momentum the Volunteers hoped to have in the first half.

Jeremiah Moon, Dean and David Reese are also playing lights-out.

I would keep this pressure up while you have Tennessee on the ropes.

A little light for the running game

While there isn’t a ton of yardage for Florida football running game, there is enough for Tennessee to show respect and give Trask the ability to find open receivers.

Lamical Perine has less than 40 yards the ground and the Gators have less than 60 total (of course, consider that Tennessee’s running game is faring even worse). But, Tennessee is still forced to show coverage to the run, which seems to be just enough to give Trask room to maneuver for the passing game.

But, Perine did get a touchdown on the last play of the half, a call that showed a lot of confidence in the Florida football offensive line.

I have stopped hoping for 200-yard games for Perine, but I am seeing a little more improvement, especially in the offensive line to push back more than they did against Kentucky.

Now, let’s get ready for the second half! Go Gators!