Florida’s Offense
Florida’s two quarterbacks struggled in their opening game against Michigan. Malik Zaire carried the ball eight times but lost 29 yards in total. Felipe Franks was 5-for-9 for 75 yards before being pulled.
Franks got the start against the Wolverines, and he’ll likely take the first snap on Saturday as well. Against Michigan, he was inconsistent, rarely setting his feet since he was under heavy pressure all day.
Felipe Franks' first throw wasn't a bad one. Look for Florida to utilize its receivers in the slot tomorrow like it does here. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/uxI8ZKJq1Y
— Will Boling (@will_boling) September 15, 2017
Franks’ first throw was a pretty good one, finding his go-to guy, Josh Hammond. Michigan is running man-to-man coverage, and the corner simply gets beat.
When Franks has time to throw, all he has to do is let his athletes go up and make a play like Hammond did here. But that wasn’t often the case against the Wolverines. Florida is going to rely on this look a lot, because the Gators believe their wide receivers can outwork UT’s secondary for every ball.
I expect Hammond and Tyrie Cleveland to be matched up with Justin Martin or any freshman throughout the game. Tennessee has to adjust, giving Martin help over the top in order to keep the Gators honest. I also expect the Vols to blitz a lot in this game, trying to ruin the timing of passes like these.
One way Florida will give Franks more time is by moving the pocket.
Florida gives more time to Franks by moving the pocket, but the strong safety mirrors the wideout perfectly. No one open. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/eUMHvdgKPf
— Will Boling (@will_boling) September 15, 2017
As long as the safety doesn’t get caught up in all the “noise” of the play, there’s nothing to worry about here. But that’s a big “if.”
Here, the safety makes an excellent read, recognizing that Brandon Powell is sprinting out into the flat for an easy pitch and catch. With an unproven quarterback and offensive line, Florida will rely on this look a lot to give Franks some confidence, especially early in the game.
UT's safeties have to keep a close eye on quick, intermediate options in the flat. With shaky O-Line, that's UF's best threat. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/lBOYvwNN33
— Will Boling (@will_boling) September 15, 2017
Expect Nigel Warrior to be the guy Tennessee relys on in this scheme. He’s Tennessee’s best tackler at the safety position, and he can burst through the line to disrupt the timing of the play action pass.
The key is going to be wrapping up and tackling. Franks or Zaire will connect on these short passes. A lot of pressure will be put on Warrior and Micah Abernathy to makes these stops on quick ballcarriers around the line of scrimmage.
With Zaire in the game, Florida’s offense looks a bit different. The Gators rely on him to run the ball more than they do with Franks, but his arm isn’t quite as good.
Although Zaire is the quicker of the two quarterbacks, he has a hard time avoiding sacks.
UT needs to do a lot of this tomorrow — blitzing. Ends get in the backfield, linebacker delays his rush, makes easy play. #RTIFilmStudy pic.twitter.com/zpXAj3OmkC
— Will Boling (@will_boling) September 15, 2017
Michigan stunts their rushers to make this play, rushing seven here. The ends crash around the outside, and the middle linebacker delays his rush to wait for the quarterback.
This blitz almost works as a spy since the linebacker waits to blitz. And when he does, he catches Zaire in the backfield as he loads up to throw the deep ball.
Zaire holds on to the ball longer than he should, and the Wolverines defense makes him pay. This job will belong to Daniel Bituli on Saturday, a guy I think is ready for a big game. He’s going to spy the quarterback, as well as bull rush up the middle a lot. In order for Tennessee to win, it needs to sack Zaire and Franks at least two or three times.
There is a risk here — bringing extra heat leaves you susceptible to the quarterback scrambling. If Zaire can get past the initial wave of defenders, then he can run in space. That’s exactly why Michigan tells its end rushers to get to the outside, expanding the pocket and forcing Zaire to step back. The delayed rush is then all you need to slow the quarterback down and gang tackle in the backfield.
