The Gators performance against Vanderbilt was solid, not spectacular, just solid. The sports headlines and a 42-0 final score might imply otherwise, but the “progress” pieces are what really matters. Last week’s loss at Kentucky raised three concerns that Florida needed to address. This Vandy game was really about correcting last week’s problems. Some progress was made. Plenty still left to be addressed.

This week Florida reduced the number of offensive penalties by about half. The two illegal procedure penalties and three holding penalties are still too many, but didn’t bring the same drive killing impact we saw last week. Clearly, Vanderbilt is not Kentucky and a home game in the Swamp is different then an away SEC game.

Special teams play this week was an asset. In the punting game, Florida flipped the field by averaging a net +47 yards compared to Vandy’s +35 per punt. Toss in Jeremy Crenshaw’s 28 yard run (from the Gator’s own 27) on a fake punt and the punt game differential is even more significant. The Gator’s made all four place kicks and covered kickoffs well. Progress.

The third area for focused improvement was the level of offensive aggressiveness. Florida’s offense had been productive, but not explosive in games against SEC teams. This week, the Gators had seven plays for over 25 yards. In the Kentucky loss, they had zero plays of over 20 Yards. We saw a bit of a vertical passing game this week. The fake punt on the first drive of the second half (mentioned above) was another indication Florida might be ready to be more aggressive moving forward.

The Gator defense pitched a shutout, but was the beneficiary of three missed Commodore field goal attempts. In the first half, especially, there were missed tackles and assignments. Vandy possessed the ball nearly twenty of the thirty first half minutes and rolled up over 200 yards of total offense. The Florida defense was more focused in the second half, holding Vandy to negative rushing yardage and less than 100 yards of total offense. More work to be done in the weeks ahead.

Teams are rarely as bad as they seem in losses or as good as they seem in wins. The margins are often narrow. A few crucial plays, here and there, create momentum and shape the outcomes. Florida should feel better about themselves this week, but Vandy at home isn’t a tall task. Next week playing LSU in Death Valley will be a growth opportunity.

Last year, LSU was reeling when they came into Gainesville and derailed the Gator’s season. This year, LSU is still talented, but also still inconsistent. They’ve struggled on both sides of the ball in the run game. Head Coach Ed Orgeron’s seat has gotten hotter. The Tigers lost their biggest offensive threat (Kayshon Boutte) this past week and Florida benefits from a noon kickoff. Still, the LSU crowd will be the largest and loudest the Gator’s will encounter this season.

The outcome this Saturday will rest heavily on whether Florida can focus and function offensively in the noise. If Florida runs the ball effectively and avoids drive killing penalties, they should prevail. This game represents another opportunity for the Gators to better handle a tough away SEC environment and take a step forward.