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Early opponent analysis: Vanderbilt must contain Florida ground game
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There’s a lot at stake for both teams in Saturday’s matchup at The Swamp between Florida and Vanderbilt.
If Florida wins on Saturday, it clinches the SEC East title.
If Vanderbilt wins, it still has a chance to represent the East in Atlanta. The Commodores would have to win out, and Florida would have to lose to South Carolina. Still, Vanderbilt is the team in the East with a chance to take the spot in Atlanta away from the Gators.
OK, that’s probably not going to happen. But Derek Mason’s team has an opportunity for a signature victory that would improve its dismal bowl chances.
Vanderbilt’s main objective will be to contain Florida’s rushing attack. The Gators have struggled running the ball, averaging only 143 rushing yards per game, but they had 258 rushing yards against Georgia last Saturday.
Running back Kelvin Taylor has continued to improve as the season has gone along and might be Florida’s most-important offensive weapon.
If Vanderbilt’s defense, which only allows 115 rushing yards per game, can contain the Gators’ ground attack, QB Treon Harris will be forced to make plays in the passing game. Harris completed 8-of-19 for 155 yards and a touchdown against Georgia.
Vanderbilt also needs to limit its turnovers. The Commodores turned the ball over four times in their 34-0 loss to Houston. The quarterback, whether true freshman Kyle Shurmur or sophomore Johnny McCrary, must avoid mistakes against a Florida defense that forced five turnovers last Saturday.
Florida’s talented defensive back duo, Vernon Hargreaves III and Jalen Tabor, has combined for five interceptions.
Moving the ball against Florida’s defense will also be challenging. The Gators have allowed only 111 rushing yards and 192 passing yards per game.
FLORIDA GATORS: A CLOSER LOOK
Best offensive player: RB Kelvin Taylor — Taylor has struggled to run the ball behind a patchwork offensive line for most of the season, but he came up huge against Georgia, rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns. With QB Treon Harris struggling in the passing game, Florida will rely on Taylor to keep the chains moving.
Best defensive player: CB Vernon Hargreaves III — The junior already has four interceptions this season. He’ll feast off the mistakes from Vanderbilt’s quarterback.
Best special teams player: WR/PR Brandon Powell — The 5-foot-9 sophomore is diminutive but explosive. He has returned 18 kickoffs for 340 yards this season.
Chase Erickson is a contributing writer for SDS. He covers Tennessee. Follow him on Twitter @ChaseDownField.
