Florida Gators Mailbag 9/18

Each week, GatorMaven will take Florida Gators-related questions from our readers across social media and answer them in article-form.

You can submit your questions every week by tweeting them to the GatorMaven Twitter handle, our Facebook page, or by emailing me at zachgoodallpv@gmail.com

Let's get to the mailbag!

From @DraftWildcard: What can the Gators do to get the run game going?

Answer: I don't know, because I don't believe the offensive line has done a terrible job in run blocking. It's far from perfect, and the tackles need improvement at it, but the interior has done a solid job in the power run game - which can be seen when Dameon Pierce is on the field and fighting for yards.

It's going to take a group effort from the OL and the RBs - neither are doing a great job. Florida is running the ball 12% less than they did in 2018 - perhaps that's why they aren't finding their flow. This offense is typically built on the running game.

From Wesley Graham: Why do we keep putting in Lamical Perine, when we are loaded at running back. Two of them hit the hole faster, making it easier on the struggling line?

A: Perine is the most talented running back on the roster, but I do think the reps need to be split up more. Perine has more than double (34) the carries that Pierce and Malik Davis have combined (16: Pierce has 10 and Davis has six).

Last year, Perine and Jordan Scarlett nearly matched carries throughout the season and the run game was more effective considering their varying rushing styles. Now, Florida has three uniquely-talented rushers. They need to begin utilizing them.

From Dakota Leighton: Would it be a better idea to go Air-Raid like old Texas Tech with our running troubles and talented receiving corps?

A: No. That's not how Mullen's system has ever worked and it's never going to. While the run game is an issue right now, Florida depends on it to open up receivers in the passing game - and vice versa, depending on spreading receivers out to open up the run. They won't run empty sets and Air-Raid concepts other than occasionally.

From @Demetrius82: The Gators defensive line has been praised for their performances in weeks one and two, yet they only had one sack against Kentucky. Is that the defensive line coming back down to earth, or is Kentucky’s offensive line that good?

A: Perhaps the box score stats are coming back to Earth - keep in mind that Miami started two freshmen tackles in Week Zero, and that Florida faced UT-Martin in Week Two. However, they're still dialing up QB pressure, with defensive ends Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga averaging seven per game combined. The team is also averaging 23 pressures a game, per Pro Football Focus.