Behind the Numbers: Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers    

By
Daniel Thompson
-
University of Florida quarterback Kyle Trask throws a pass in a win over the Tennessee Volunteers- Florida Gators football- 1280x854
University of Florida quarterback Kyle Trask throws a pass in a win over the Tennessee Volunteers / Gator Country photo by David Bowie

In what has become a very one-sided rivalry, the Florida Gators have once again defeated the Tennessee Volunteers for the 14th time in their last 15 tries.

In what could be considered a helluva coming out party for Kyle Trask, the Florida Gators were able to dominate in all three phases of the game with a final score of 34-3, that might not have actually been that close.

We saw Marco Wilson’s first career interception. We saw the Gators throw for 300-plus yards in back-to-back games since 2007 (South Carolina, FAU). And now Florida has won 19 straight games in which they have scored 24 points (last loss was against Tennessee in 2016).

As Florida moves on to Towson before facing their toughest stretch of games, the Gators are 4-0 and seemingly improving each game. Let’s see how the numbers are shaking out as we begin to identify some trends and correlations.

  • 31 points is the most the Gators have beaten Tennessee since 2007. The three points Tennessee had was the fewest points they’ve scored since 1994 in the rivalry.
  • Kyle Trasks 293 yards passing were the second most of a starting quarterback making a debut for the Gators this decade. Austin Appleby threw for 296 against…Tennessee in 2016.
  • Trask’s 10.5 yards per attempt throwing was highest in a game since Treon Harris had 11.3 yards per attempt against New Mexico State in 2015.
  • The Gators have held Tennessee over the last three games to just one passing touchdown and eight interceptions.
  • The 44 points the Gators have allowed through four games are the fewest they’ve allowed in the first four games of the year since 2011. The Gators rank 10th in scoring defense nationally.
  • The Gators 20 sacks on the season are number one in the country and are also more through four games than the entire 2013 season. Jonathan Greenard ranks 19th in the country in sacks (3.5) and Jabari Zuniga ranks 34th with (3.0) nationally.
  • The Gators 24 penalties through the first four games are the fewest they’ve had through four games in over 10 years.
  • The Gators limited Tennessee to just one score in the red zone (in two attempts). Opponents have only scored five of the 10 times they’ve been red zone, and at 50% success, the Gators rank 2nd in the country in red zone conversion defense.
  • The Gators seven interceptions on the year rank 2nd in the country. Shawn Davis and Kaiir Elam rank 7th in the country with two interceptions.
  • The Gators have now extended their scoring streak to 388 games, by far the most in college football.
  • The Gators currently have the longest active win streak in the SEC.

 

 

Daniel Thompson
Daniel Thompson
Dan Thompson is a 2010 graduate of the University Florida, graduating with a degree in Economics and a degree in Political Science. During this time at UF, Dan worked three years for the Florida Gator Football team as a recruiting ambassador. Dan dealt daily with prospects, NCAA guidelines, and coaching staff. Dan was also involved in Florida Blue Key, Student Government and Greek Life. Currently, Dan oversees the IT consulting practice of a Tampa-based company. Dan enjoys golfing, country music, bourbon, travel, oysters, and a medium-rare steak. Dan can be found on Twitter at @DK_Thompson.