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Florida football: Five ways the Gators can beat the Volunteers

By Benjamin Henderson

Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) is congratulated by offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun (65) after he scored a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) is congratulated by offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun (65) after he scored a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Before the start of the season, many people viewed the matchup between Florida and Tennessee as a coin flip matchup that could go either way. After Florida football knocked off Utah in the opening game, it seemed like the Gators would be favored over the Volunteers.

Two weeks later, public perception has completely shifted and Florida is a 10.5-point underdog heading into to Knoxville. ESPN’s FPI index has Florida as a 16.5-point underdog.

There are arguments why Tennessee should be favored, but this is the same Tennessee squad that had to go to overtime against Pitt and the same Florida squad that knocked off Utah. The Gators have problems, but they are not unfixable problems.

Here are five pathways the Gators have to pull off the upset against Tennessee.

Florida football
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators throws a pass during the 2nd quarter of a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 10, 2022, in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Florida football: Anthony Richardson sets his feet

Let’s get the most obvious pathway to victory out of the way. The offense for Florida football has felt like a 180-reversal since the Utah game because Anthony Richardson has done a 180. Many Florida fans and pundits say “They just need to run Richardson more,” and there is a hint of truth to that. Billy Napier has admitted he has told Richardson to not run as much because of the lack of a backup QB.

But Kentucky schemed very specifically to take away Richardson’s ability to run. USF didn’t sell out as much, but they did play more zone to prevent Richardson runs.

The core problem though has not been Richardson being unable to run, it has been his inability to throw. Against Utah Richardson didn’t throw for any touchdowns, but he was 17-24 passing for 168 yards and most importantly no interceptions.

Against Kentucky and USF combined, he was 24-53 (45% completion rate) for 255 yards and four interceptions.

It is not a case of guys not being open or throws that Richardson can’t make. The throws he has been missing are throws he made against Utah and made last year against LSU and FSU.

But unlike Utah, LSU, or FSU, Richardson’s mechanics have completely broken down. He has stopped setting his feet. He’s leaning back on throws. He looks like he went to the Emory Jones School of Passing.

Richardson doesn’t have to throw for 250+ yards. He just needs to hit throws just enough to unclog the box and open up Florida football’s run game.

Speaking of which…

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