Tennessee’s offense led by Josh Heupel brings a different level of pace to the table that Florida has not seen in the 2023 season under defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong.
Florida has only averaged 46.5 defensive snaps a game, while the Volunteers are averaging 75 offensive snaps a game.
“I think obviously the uniqueness of the offense, the tempo,” Billy Napier on Tennessee’s offense. “They’re snapping the ball. They run about three plays a minute, right? I think they’re first or second in the country in pace. There’s an element to that that’s unique.”
“The play count number can roll up. I think it’s right in the high 70s relative to both sides of the ball. They’re going to play in the high 70s. We’re going to play in the high 70s,” Napier said on Monday.
The Gators have played 37 different defensive players through two weeks, with ten being true freshmen. The experience could benefit Florida in a game where the Gators will likely need to play a lot of snaps.
“I think one of the things we’ve done here, although it is young, I do think we have developed some depth there at most every spot on defense,” Napier said. “I think that will be a critical piece of the puzzle. It will be hot and humid in there. Our ability to sustain, keep the game where the depth can affect the game.”
“The play count is going to improve. Depth can be a key component, especially late,” Napier added.
Another critical piece to the puzzle is that Tennessee is going to do everything in their power to keep Florida’s depth on the bench by playing up-tempo, not allowing Florida to substitute with their hurry-up offense.
“The game presents opportunities to sub. Obviously they’re going to do everything they can do to eliminate some of those opportunities,” Napier said.
The Gators will need to be on top of their game on Saturday night, making sure they get in their proper substitutions and get everyone lined up in time to make a play. The best way to stop Tennessee from running a lot of plays is by making stops.
“I think the games about first down, then you got to get off the field on third down,” Napier said. “Ball gets into the red area, you got to force ’em to kick field goals. Last year’s game was indicative of that if you dig into it.”
Not only does Tennessee create problems schematically, but they have talented personnel.
QB Joe Milton, one of the bigger question marks entering the 2023 season, has thrown for 429 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions on a 66.7 completion percentage through two games. Milton has also picked up three rushing touchdowns while totaling 40 yards on the ground in 12 attempts.
“The quarterback is a freak of nature,” Napier said on Milton. “I mean, he’s very, very talented. Not only can throw it but can run it. I do think his ability to rush the ball may be even more effective and more willing it than the last guy.”
Tennesse’s center, Cooper Mays, has missed the first two games for the Volunteers but is expected back in week three.
“The center has been out. I think they’ll get him back. I think he makes it go, his ability to communicate, really dictate the tempo and pace of the game,” Napier said on Mays.
While Florida ranks third in the FBS in yards per game and has done a great job of getting off the field, the Gators will have their hands full with Tennessee’s offense in week three.