Behind the Numbers: Florida Gators vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

By
Daniel Thompson
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University of Florida head coach Dan Mullen celebrates with fans after the Florida Gators 56-0 win over Vanderbilt- Florida Gators football- 1280x853
University of Florida head coach Dan Mullen celebrates with fans after the Florida Gators 56-0 win over Vanderbilt- Florida Gators football- 1280x853

I’ve often used the adage, “beat the teams you’re supposed to beat the way you’re supposed to beat them,” and the Florida Gators did to the Vanderbilt Commodores what they should done – completely dominated.

In their first shutout of an SEC team since 2012 (Kentucky, 38-0), the Gators shutout Vanderbilt 56-0 and now have their third shutout of the season, something they only did four times in the last seven seasons combined.

While the game didn’t necessarily start pretty on offense, once the Gators found their groove, they looked nearly unstoppable – scoring six touchdowns on seven drives in the second half.

While the Gators look forward to their final two games of the regular season, we look back on the numbers that defined the Gators’ blowout victory.

  • According to Pro Football Focus, freshman right guard Ethan White allowed only one pressure on 46 pass-blocking snaps yesterday. White started after starter Chris Bleich announced his decision to transfer.
  • The Gators now have more passing yards this season (2,885) than last season (2,776) – and their most in a season since 2009 (3,305).
  • Kyle Trask (363) and Emory Jones (47) combined for 410 yards passing – the most the Gators have thrown for in a game since Tim Tebow’s final game in 2009 against Cincinnati.
  • Trask also set a career-high in rushing yards (25).
  • Kyle Trask ranks fourth in the SEC in completion percentage and third in the SEC in yards per attempt.
  • Kyle Pitts ranks 9th in the SEC in receptions, which is the highest for any SEC tight end. Also, his five touchdowns rank 12th in the SEC.
  • The 56 points the Gators scored were their most in a game against an SEC (or Power 5) opponent since 2008 when they beat South Carolina 56-6.
  • The Gators now have sacked opposing teams 35 times, just two off their total from last season.
  • The fumble recovery touchdown by Jonathan Greenard was the first “scoop-and-score” since Marcell Harris did it in 2016.
  • The Gators held Vanderbilt to just 3-of-15 on third down (20%) and is the third opponent (Miami, Auburn) to be held a 20%-or-less third-down conversion rate.
  • Vanderbilt was held to zero points in their one red zone opportunity, helping the Gators climb back up to sixth place nationally in red zone defense, which is a huge leap from last season where they ranked 116th.
  • Mohamoud Diabate recorded three sacks – his first three solo sacks of his career – and recorded his first career forced fumble.
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.