UF’s best strategy is to extend drives instead of trying to keep pace with high-octane Tennessee

GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Billy Napier wants to avoid a track meet at Tennessee.

The No. 8 Vols (4-1, 1-1 SEC) are unlikely to oblige.

Expect coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo attack to be fast and furious Saturday night at sold-out Neyland Stadium after a 19-14 loss at Arkansas followed a so-so offensive showing during a 25-15 win at Oklahoma. During Heupel’s four seasons since leaving UCF for Knoxville, Tennessee averages nearly two touchdowns more at home (46.2 points per game) than on the road (32.6 ppg).

The 2024 Vols combined for 140 points in two home wins against outclassed Chattanooga and Kent State.

“When you play Tennessee, there will be an element of strategy to keeping up,” Napier said Monday. “Points are a premium.”

To keep up, the Gators (3-2, 1-1) cannot afford to let off the gas.

During Florida’s convincing 24-13 win against UCF, Napier’s offense started impressively to build a 21-point halftime lead, and then ran out of steam and failed to score during the final 30 minutes.

The second-half stall, featuring just 108 yards, was on brand for Napier at UF, where his teams have failed to deliver a knockout punch when presented.

During last season’s resounding 29-16 win against Tennessee, the Gators scored 20 second-quarter points and led 26-7 at the half before the offense went into a shell of conservative play-calling and poor execution.

Against UCF, Florida managed just three second-half possessions prior to an interception with less than two minutes remaining.

Tight end Hayden Hansen’s holding penalty on 2nd-and-1 in UCF territory soon led to a missed field goal from 53 yards.

“An inexcusable play,” Napier said.

A false start by left guard Knijeah Harris on 3rd-and-10 effectively ended another drive.

“We shot ourselves in the foot,” Napier said.

UCF at times methodically maintained possession, while curiously failing to display a sense of urgency.

At Tennessee, the Gators might benefit from a similar strategy and try to milk the game clock. Against UCF, Florida opened with a tone-setting 15-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took nearly eight minutes.

Keeping the Vols on the sideline might be the Gators’ best defense.

“Any time you can chew up some clock and keep your defense on the sideline and keep the play count down, there is some positives to that,” Napier said.

Coming off consecutive wins for the first time since October 2023, the Gators are determined to maximize their scoring opportunities and avoid empty possessions.

“Got to be able to execute,” receiver Chimere Dike said Monday. “That’s definitely something we can improve on, because later in the year we’re going to need to finish those drives.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at moc.lenitnesodnalro@nospmohtge

Up next …

Florida at Tennessee

When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Neyland Stadium

TV: ESPN