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UF rush offense vs. VU rush defense | After starting out the Tennessee game decently enough on the ground, Florida's line simply couldn't block anyone on the Volunteers in the second half. That should change this week as Vanderbilt has one of the worst run defenses in the SEC. Look for the Gators to return to more of an even distribution of carries this week as well. | |
UF pass offense vs. VU pass defense | As much of an advantage Florida has on the ground, it is even more lopsided in the Gators favor through the air. The Commodoores haven't been able to put pressure on any quarterback they've faced to this point (only three sacks on the season) and as a result haven't been able to stop anyone from throwing on them. Austin Appleby should be able to have time to stand in the pocket and get multiple UF receivers involved this week. | |
UF rush defense vs. VU rush offense | This is beginning to sound like a broken record, but once again this is an area where Florida has a big advantage over Vanderbilt. The fly in the ointment though could be Joey Ivie being sidelined for the Gators. How does Khairi Clark and/or Taven Bryant look stepping in for him is the biggest question/concern. | |
UF pass defense vs. VU pass offense | Again, going by the numbers, this should be a route in Florida's favor. The Gators have a top 10 pass defense while Vandy has a bottom 15 pass offense. How the Gators secondary responds to last week's humiliating shellacking at the hands of the Volunteers is key. This is an opportunity for them to regain some swagger. | |
| Florida has a clear edge in the kicking and punting side of things, while neither team is exactly exemplary in the return game. This week, amazingly, Florida is actually facing a team with a worse punt return game than the Gators. | |
| The biggest question - how does Florida respond to what happened last week? Getting your butt kicked from kickoff to the final whistle is one thing, to have the emotional swing and let down of being up by 21 and blowing it in a loss, is entirely different. If Florida comes out with a chip on their collective shoulders, this isn't close. If they are still feeling the effects of last week, it still shouldn't be close, but it could be closer then expected. | |
| Talking about someone who should have a chip on his shoulder, if (when) Florida goes up big early, does Jim McElwain take his foot off the gas pedal again, or did he learn from last week's mistake (though he has yet to admit that was a mistake)? Derek Mason is likely on his last leg, a big win here could help kick the crutches out from underneath him. | |
