Three Takeaways from Florida’s win versus Vanderbilt
(HECTOR)
The Florida Gators got back on track on Saturday versus Vanderbilt after their devastating loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. The Gators knocked off the Commodores 38-14 in a much-needed homecoming victory.
The Florida Gators needed to get revenge for their upset loss versus Vanderbilt last season. The Gators played a much cleaner game but still have lots of room for improvement. Here are three takeaways from Florida’s win over the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Montrell Johnson's breakout game
Junior running back Montrell Johnson has not played well for most of the season, leading to Florida fans asking for more snaps for Trevor Etienne. The sophomore back was out for the game with an injury which meant Florida was going to heavily rely on Johnson.
Johnson had his best game of the season and ran all over the Vanderbilt defense. Johnson rushed for 135 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. That’s the most rushing yards Johnson has had in a game since the South Carolina game last season. He also had three receptions for 25 yards.
Johnson showed that he can still play at a high level and could be counted on even with Etienne returns from injury. Johnson’s best performance of the season also happened when Florida was missing their starting left tackle and center.
2. Defense rebounds after awful performance versus Kentucky
The Florida Gators’ defense got their teeth kicked in last Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats. They needed to have a much better showing versus Vanderbilt to get back on track before heading into the most difficult part of their schedule.
The Gators’ defense did just that holding Vanderbilt to just 14 points and held their rushing attack to just 64 rushing yards on Saturday. The Gators’ front seven had a big game as they recorded two sacks and six tackles for loss.
Both former St. Thomas Aquinas players, Derek Wingo and Tyreak Sapp, recorded the sacks in the game. Sophomore linebacker Shemar James led the team in tackles with seven including one tackle for loss. Florida’s defense will have a tougher challenge this upcoming Saturday on the road versus South Carolina.
3. Arlis Boardingham shines in career performance
The Florida offense might have found another weapon to add to their offense. Redshirt freshman tight end Arlis Boardingham had a huge game on Saturday against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The California native had a career game on Saturday as he recorded seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns. It was the most receiving yards by a Florida tight end since Kyle Pitts had 127 receiving yards against Alabama in the 2020 SEC Championship Game.
Boardingham has shown that he’s the best tight end on Florida’s roster. Boardingham was the last recruit Billy Napier signed in his first recruiting class at Florida. The freshman tight end has had some growing pains but should continue to develop into a very productive player.
(HECTOR)
The Florida Gators got back on track on Saturday versus Vanderbilt after their devastating loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. The Gators knocked off the Commodores 38-14 in a much-needed homecoming victory.
The Florida Gators needed to get revenge for their upset loss versus Vanderbilt last season. The Gators played a much cleaner game but still have lots of room for improvement. Here are three takeaways from Florida’s win over the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Montrell Johnson's breakout game
Junior running back Montrell Johnson has not played well for most of the season, leading to Florida fans asking for more snaps for Trevor Etienne. The sophomore back was out for the game with an injury which meant Florida was going to heavily rely on Johnson.
Johnson had his best game of the season and ran all over the Vanderbilt defense. Johnson rushed for 135 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. That’s the most rushing yards Johnson has had in a game since the South Carolina game last season. He also had three receptions for 25 yards.
Johnson showed that he can still play at a high level and could be counted on even with Etienne returns from injury. Johnson’s best performance of the season also happened when Florida was missing their starting left tackle and center.
2. Defense rebounds after awful performance versus Kentucky
The Florida Gators’ defense got their teeth kicked in last Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats. They needed to have a much better showing versus Vanderbilt to get back on track before heading into the most difficult part of their schedule.
The Gators’ defense did just that holding Vanderbilt to just 14 points and held their rushing attack to just 64 rushing yards on Saturday. The Gators’ front seven had a big game as they recorded two sacks and six tackles for loss.
Both former St. Thomas Aquinas players, Derek Wingo and Tyreak Sapp, recorded the sacks in the game. Sophomore linebacker Shemar James led the team in tackles with seven including one tackle for loss. Florida’s defense will have a tougher challenge this upcoming Saturday on the road versus South Carolina.
3. Arlis Boardingham shines in career performance
The Florida offense might have found another weapon to add to their offense. Redshirt freshman tight end Arlis Boardingham had a huge game on Saturday against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
The California native had a career game on Saturday as he recorded seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns. It was the most receiving yards by a Florida tight end since Kyle Pitts had 127 receiving yards against Alabama in the 2020 SEC Championship Game.
Boardingham has shown that he’s the best tight end on Florida’s roster. Boardingham was the last recruit Billy Napier signed in his first recruiting class at Florida. The freshman tight end has had some growing pains but should continue to develop into a very productive player.
