Billy Napier provides assessment of Florida's run game ahead of Tennessee matchup

The Florida rushing game was on full display last week against USF, led by a huge day from Montrell Johnson Jr. After the game, Billy Napier said there were multiple factors in that success.

Johnson totaled 103 yards and a touchdown to lead the charge while Trevor Etienne and Nay’Quan Wright also found the end zone. It was a true team effort, and in more ways than one, according to Napier.

The Gators head coach said it’s more than just good work from the offensive line. It takes everyone on the offense to get the run game going, and that’ll be important against Tennessee on Saturday.

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“I thought we rushed the ball really well,” Napier said. “I thought the guys up front did a good job. We communicated well, we cover them up. We got it to the second level quite a bit. The one run that Montrell had for the big touchdown, people don’t realize this, but Anthony checked that play. It was a great decision on his part based on the defensive look and it led to a big play there.

“When you rush the ball effectively, it’s not just the front guys, it’s not just the back. The tight ends got to go a great job on the edges, the receivers got to do a good job outside blocking for us. Really, the quarterback is contributing to that, much like Anthony did throughout the game.”

Anthony Richardson praises Florida’s run game vs USF

Florida is one of the few college football teams left that have yet to throw a passing touchdown. That’s not necessarily a knock on the play of Gator QB Anthony Richardson. However, since they’re 2-1 without a receiving score yet, it’s a credit to the Gators’ rushing attack.

Richardson spoke about the play Florida has had in the run game during media after their 31-28 win over USF. He said the run game has been their life preserver on offense and that he’s appreciative that the offense can lean on them.

“I feel like it definitely saved us,” said Richardson. “(We) couldn’t really do much in the air. That falls back on me and me not giving my guys a chance to get the ball. But the O-line and the running backs are saving us. I’m glad we can count on them when the time comes.”