Florida football: The formula is there to pick apart the Vols’ defense

Florida football is getting set to welcome the 11th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers into The Swamp on Saturday night in what is one of the biggest games of the week.

We’ve already talked about the importance of this game for the Gators and Billy Napier, but now let’s talk about how they can actually go about winning it.

The Gators’ offense looked a lot better in week two than it did in the opener against Utah, which makes a ton of sense given the drop-off in their quality of opponent.

But Tennessee’s defense may also have a few holes that the Gators can exploit within their game plan.

Florida football: Stick to what you do best

Based on the Vols’ game this past weekend against Austin Peay, it seems that the Gators’ strengths line up pretty well with some of Tennessee’s weaknesses.

For starters, I have to give credit where it’s due. The Vols’ front seems very strong. Austin Peay couldn’t do anything in between the tackles on the ground, and Tennessee was getting pressure on just about every snap, totaling seven sacks.

Now, Peay’s OL is a step below an SEC front, but dominating lesser opponents is a sign of a good defense.

They also did a great job getting off the field, holding the Governors to just 5-18 on third downs.

But, Austin Peay may have shown us a weakness in Tennessee’s defense. They peppered them with quick wide receiver screens and shallow routes in the passing game for quick chunks of yardage.

With Eugene Wilson and Ricky Pearsall out there, the Gators can take advantage of what looks to be a weak spot.

All that focus within ten yards of the LOS can open things up downfield as well. Austin Peay should have scored on a deep shot on the second play of the game but overthrew a wide open man.

So here’s the formula for Florida to have a good day moving the football.

Establish the run up the middle. Austin Peay couldn’t do it, but they have a smaller OL and weren’t running Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson at them.

Then, start utilizing the short-passing game. Get your playmakers in space and allow them to make things happen after the catch. If Peay’s athletes can do it, so can ours.

And finally, there will be opportunities for deep shots down the field. When the safeties come up, trust Graham Mertz to make the right decision and deliver the pass where it needs to be.

Florida football can make some serious noise if they win this game, and it could be the turning point of their season.

All they have to do is go out and get it done.