College Football Fan Site

10:04 pm | September 21, 2019 | Go to Source | Author: Pat Dooley

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask and head coach Dan Mullen talk with an ESPN reporter Saturday after the Gators routed Tennessee at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. [Matt Pendleton/Correspondent]

OFFENSE B+

First half: The fast start was most needed for a team with a new quarterback, but Florida made way too many mistakes. Obviously, the touchdown on the last play of the half was huge.

Second half: The running game finally made some noise in the fourth quarter when Florida was simply trying to run out the clock. Emory Jones in the game seemed to change the dynamics of the running backs.

For the game: Kyle Trask could have reached 300 yards in his first start and that’s a good sign for Florida. Florida only averaged 3.8 yards a rush in the game.

DEFENSE A-

First half: The Gators shut down the run and didn’t let Tennessee take advantage of turnovers as they extended their scoreless run to three quarters and six quarters at home.

Second half: The first drive was not the way Florida wanted to start the second half, but the Gators held the Vols to a field goal. Jon Greenard was an absolute beast the whole game.

For the game: Tennessee is not very good. That said, the Vols had put up some nice numbers offensively going into this game. Florida allowed only the three points, 12 first downs and turned Tennessee over three times.

SPECIAL TEAMS B

First half: Freddie Swain had a nice punt return, but stumbled and it came back anyway because of a penalty. Great job by Evan McPherson and the art of the touchback on the kickoff.

Second half: McPherson finished off another good day with another field goal. Other than that, special teams were not called on for much more than fielding punts.

For the game: Five of McPherson’s six kickoffs went into the end zone and that’s exactly what they want him to do. Tommy Townsend’s one punt was solid. Special teams kind of had most of the day off.

OVERALL B+

They were still a lot of mistakes and a busted coverage almost hurt Florida badly early in the game (it was overthrown), but any time Florida beats a rival 34-3 (even if it doesn’t seem like a rival anymore), it’s a pretty good afternoon for the Gators. Even the weather cooperated.