Offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence, a transfer from Louisiana, has played a pivotal role in Florida's success in the running game under first-year head coach Billy Napier. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
Gators' Rushing Attack Has Shown Its Teeth of Late
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gators freshman running back Trevor Etienne sprinted through the line of scrimmage as he broke two tackles and outran four Gamecock defenders, ripping into the end zone for an 85-yard touchdown run.
The crowd erupted. The sideline exploded. And Florida's rushing offense started to heat up.
Etienne's run in Saturday's 38-6 home win over South Carolina was the second-longest rushing touchdown by a UF freshman and seventh-longest in school history.
But it was more than that.
It was a glimpse of what was to come as the Gators pounded South Carolina's defense in the regular-season home finale.
Two of the three early UF touchdowns in the first quarter were rushing scores. And throughout the game, Etienne, fellow running back Montrell Johnson Jr., quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Florida's veteran offensive line shoved the Gamecocks around.
Johnson and Etienne, one of the country's top tandems this season, delivered most of the damage.
"We got two different backs. One quick move-y guy like Trevor and you know the power back like Montrell,'' said offensive lineman O'Cyrus Torrence. "Both of them have speed, so it makes it interesting, makes the running game a whole lot better with those two, and their little combo of running the ball."
Montrell Johnson Jr. scampers for a big gain in Saturday's win over South Carolina. (Photo: Hannah White/UAA Communications)
The Gators recorded 515 total yards, with 374 rushing yards, Florida's largest output on the ground against a Southeastern Conference opponent since 2014 against Georgia (418 yards). A sophomore, Johnson had a career-high 161 rushing yards.
"I've been talking about that performance like two, three days now,'' Richardson said Monday. "But just having him in the backfield is a blessing, him and Trevor. They do their thing. They make it easier for us to move the ball and score on offense."
Etienne finished with 100 yards Saturday. The last time a Gators freshman rushed for 100 yards was Malik Davis in 2017 against Vanderbilt.
Etienne was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday, and the 6-foot-5, 347-pound Torrence, a critical factor in Florida's ground success, was named Co-SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.
Meanwhile, Richardson rushed for 96 yards, just four yards shy of putting three Gators over 100 rushing yards for only the second time in school history. Nevertheless, UF dominated up front to run past the Gamecocks and win their second consecutive game.
Florida has now recorded 2,424 rushing yards on the season, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, ranking second among FBS schools. Johnson
The UF coaching staff did their homework and knew how to capitalize against a South Carolina defense that entered the game ranked 11th in the SEC in rushing defense.
The Gators used a simple formula: establish a strong presence at the line of scrimmage and win the edges. They mixed in some well-designed runs, too.
"You've got to rush the ball effectively, and you've got to stop the run," head coach Billy Napier said. "We certainly did that."
And what does an effective rushing attack look like beyond the battle up front?
"Receivers are blocking their tails off out there," Napier said. "Line of scrimmage, the edges by the tight ends, the read game by the quarterback, and all the perimeter screen and perimeter RPO stuff."
While the Gators have made the run game look easy the past two games — Florida has averaged 332.5 yards on the ground in back-to-back wins — there are countless hours, multiple reps and a level of determination required.
"When you rush the ball effectively, in particular our way of doing it, every position group is contributing to that," Napier said.
It's all about executing the small details and takes a collective team effort, from the land moves on the line to the players on the perimeter.
Tight end Jonathan Odom helped in the passing game and running game Saturday. He blocked on the edge and caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Richardson, the first of his career.
"It's really about imposing your will," Odom said. "And the mental part of the football game and being physical and tough and playing fast and coming off the ball just over and over again until they want to quit."
The Gators' will was relentless on Senior Night at the Swamp in front of more than 89,000 fans.
Richardson had a decision to make on Etienne's scoring run before the snap. He could have pitched the ball, or he could have handed it off. Richardson decided to put the ball in Etienne's hands.
"I just trusted number 7, and he took off and scored," Richardson said.
Richardson trusted that each position group was going to do its job. He had faith the tight ends would make blocks. And he trusted his offensive lineman to protect.
