Florida Gators: 3 keys to fixing the slumping offense
By Mark Rogers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Establish the Run
Florida is not going to win throwing 40 times a game. The ideal, yet reasonable stat line for Harris in a big game looks something like 13 for 20, 220 yards and no turnovers.
Kelvin Taylor came out of high school as the No. 1 back in the nation. His first 2 1/2 years at Florida have been productive, but have fallen short of superstardom. Lack of a passing threat is mostly to blame.
In the shadows of Leonard Fournette, Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb at one point, Taylor has churned out a solid season (631 rush yards, 11 touchdowns) as a junior, but his 3.7 average yards per carry is alarming. His 17 carry, 47 yard performance vs Vanderbilt has to be an aberration and not the beginning of a late season slide. Freshman Jordan Scarlett ripped off a 20-yard run early vs the Commodores and is averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He should take away a few more carries down the stretch.
At the outset of the season, the offensive line was the biggest question mark on this team by far. The line has played remarkably well considering the youth and lack of depth. Two of the Gators’ best, Martez Ivey and David Sharp, are banged up. Ivey did not play vs Vandy, but should be back this Saturday. Florida desperately needs a bye. Instead they’re staring at four consecutive games including two monster front seven’s in Florida State and Alabama (most likely).
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