Florida football: Florida offense vs Vanderbilt defense

Each week we take a look at Florida football offense vs the opposing team’s defense. This week the Gators will face the Vanderbilt Commodores in Gainsville Fl.

Florida football is coming off a defeat at the hands of Georgia and the Commodores were defeated by South Carolina. For the Gators, the offense was not a big problem. Vanderbilt’s defense, on the other hand, had a bit of trouble with South Carolina.

For Vanderbilt, they are 2-6 on the year and right now beating the Gators at their house would be the best win they have. They beat Missouri, but beating the Gators on the road would top their season off. For Florida football, they are done yet with this season. There is plenty to play for this season.

Florida football offense

This season the offense has had a great year. Kyle Trask has taken over the starting role and excelled.

He has proven to be the type of quarterback that the Gators and coach Mullen need to win. Last Saturday he showed the heart of a champion. He went 21 of 33 for 257 and two touchdowns. But the leadership he displayed meant so much more.

Trask will be ready for whatever Vanderbilt has to throw at him. Dayo Odeyingbo might be their best on the defensive lineman. So the pressure will not be as great and Trask and the offensive line will be able to control the game.

Lamical Perine led a running attack that was once again was not up to par. He had seven carries for 31 yards and was just not a factor.

This has been a theme for this year, poor running game. This week they may have a bit more room as the line can control this defensive front. The Commodores have some really good linebackers that may have something to say in the running attack.

Once again the receiving group was doing their thing, catching passes and getting yards. Freddie Swain was the guy last week with 91 yards on eight catches — he made big plays when he needed too.

That is it with this group, week after week you never know who will shine. Kyle Pitts once again showed he will do his thing week after week as he is a defensive matchup nightmare, Vanderbilt only has three interceptions on the year but they have a few safety’s that make lots of tackles.

The receiving group should have a good week once again and Trask should go for another 250 plus.

The Vanderbilt Defense

The Vanderbilt defense has had its trouble this year. As I stated above, they only have three-interception this year and a total of 11 sacks.

I don’t think I am going out n the line by saying the most steady player they have is Dimitri Moore. He leads the team in tackles with 62, an even 31 solo 31 assisted. The linebacking crew is very good with Feleti Afemui beside Moore, they can stop a run if you don’t block them.

It will be a good matchup against the Gator line that has had trouble run blocking. These linebackers are good but I see the running game coming alive this week for their best week this year.

The D line is also a bit suspect, we know Dayo Odeyingbo can hold his own. He has power and the skills, but other than him the next guy Cameron Tidd, on the line, has 20 tackles on the year.

The defensive backfield, well they like to tackle. Three of the top four tacklers on the team are Safties. With Dashaun Jerkins leading the backfield and second on the team with 49 tackles. He has an interception and a forced fumble as well.  He will try and stay with Pitts and the others but that is a tall task.

Brendon Harris and Tae Daley, who led the team with16 tackles last week, will help Jenkins to try and contain the Gators receivers. But in the end, there is too much talent and experience with the Gators receivers for them to handle. This battle goes to receivers.

Results

I don’t want to sound like a homer on this one but I see this as an easy week for Florida football. The Gators offense is strong and they can score points.

I do not see the Vandy offense scoring at he rate the Gator offense will be.  It should be a great game for the receivers and even the running game should get a boost.

Trask will have another big game and Emory Jones will score on the ground and in the air. gators win and move on 8-2.

Next up the Gators take on Missouri next Saturday at Noon.

No. 10 Florida football will host Vanderbilt at noon Saturday, Nov. 9 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.