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Matt Baker’s takeaways from Florida Gators-Tennessee Volunteers

Where would this Gators defense be without Louisville transfer Jonathan Greenard?
 
Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, left, takes a hit from Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard after throwing a pass during the first half.
Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, left, takes a hit from Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard after throwing a pass during the first half. [ JOHN RAOUX | AP ]
Published Sept. 21, 2019

Louisville transfer Jonathan Greenard’s excellent Gators career continued Saturday when he batted down three passes at the line, forced a second-half fumble and had two tackles for a loss. Where would this banged-up Gators defense be without him?

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It’s time to start getting concerned with Florida’s run game. The Gators averaged 2.4 yards on their first 26 carries last week and only 3.5 Saturday. Those numbers didn’t matter against Kentucky and Tennessee, but they’ll be fatal next month against LSU or Georgia.

Florida's Malik Davis (20) tries to get past Tennessee linebacker Henry To'o To'o. Davis, a Jesuit High alum, gained just 20 yards on six carries. The Gators totaled just 128 yards on the ground. [ JOHN RAOUX | AP ]

I feared I was being harsh a few days ago when I said comparing Tennessee to the Titanic was unfair to the ship. After seeing the Volunteers in person, I now wonder whether I was still being too generous. The Volunteers are one of the worst Power Five teams I’ve ever covered.