Cash Out on the Money Down
The money down in football is third down. It’s vital defenses get off the field when presented the opportunity, and it’s been one of the reasons Tennessee hasn’t allowed a touchdown in the last two games.
Tennessee ranks third in total defense to start the season, in large part because it has gotten off the field on third down. The Vols rank third in the SEC and eighth in the country in opponent third down conversions, allowing opposing offenses to convert just 9-of-38 third downs, 23.7 percent of the time.
Florida, on the other hand, is converting only 40 percent of its third downs this season, ninth-best in the conference. Tennessee can help itself get off the field on third down by what it does on first and second down. The Vols can’t allow the Gators to win on first and second down, setting up third and short. Force Florida into third-and-long and make life hard on Franks.
