Florida football: Five ways the Gators can beat the Volunteers

Florida football: Forget the trick plays Burt! Run the dang ball!

Even without Richardson running, Florida has a trio of solid running backs that could still carry the Gators’ offense if the passing attack can just be average.

Montrell Johnson has emerged as Billy Napier’s most trusted back and for good reason. Johnson came with Napier from Louisiana and has by far been Florida football’s most effective back through three games.

Johnson has 25 carries for 240 yards, good for an eye-popping 9.6 yards per carry. Compare that to the 24 carries for Nay’Quan Wright that have gained 100 yards and it’s clear who has been the more explosive back.

Gator fans have also clamored for more usage out of freshman Trevor Etienne. He’s had 22 carries for 166 yards, good for 7.5 yards per carry.

The point is, Napier doesn’t need to be throwing bubble screens to Xzaiver Henderson multiple times a game. We don’t need jet sweeps that go nowhere. We don’t need to throw fade routes to Justin Shorter that get intercepted. We don’t need Wright running go routes on the far hash that Richardson thinks are hitch routes that get intercepted.

The Gators need to lean into what has worked through three games, running the dang ball behind a very solid offensive line.