Tennessee Vols vs. Florida Gators: 5 Halftime Observations on the Gators

The first half for the Florida Gators has certainly gone in their favor.

With a lot of unanswered questions in Will Muschamp's first year, the Gators have come out strong against the Volunteers.

However, the game is long from over and the Gators will have to keep up the intensity to come away with a victory.

Here are five observations on the Gators from the first half of today's game.

1. John Brantley Looks Comfortable

So far, so good for Florida quarterback John Brantley.

The offensive line has been able to give Brantley an ample amount of time to get rid of the football. Consequently, Brantley has made several impressive throws throughout the first half.

Perhaps his most impressive throw was an incomplete pass to Deonte Thompson in the end zone. He threw it perfectly over the shoulders of Thompson, but he was unable to get a foot in bounds.

He still has trouble throwing the ball behind wide receivers, but it's still a growing process for Brantley.

All things considered, he has done an acceptable job in the first half.

2. Gators' Defensive Line Not Getting Enough Pressure on the QB

For as talented as the Florida Gators' defensive line is this season, they have not been able to get enough pressure on Tyler Bray in the first half.

He's had too much time to stay in the pocket and pick out his receivers downfield.

Bray is most dangerous when he feels comfortable in the pocket. And I'm not very comfortable in our secondary's ability to effectively shut down Bray all game.

They have got to put pressure on Bray if the Gators want to keep Tennessee off the scoreboard.

3. Too Many Penalties for the Gators

A big problem for the Florida Gators has always been committing too many penalties.

Already, the Gators had three penalties for 30 yards in the first quarter and one of them cost the Gators a big first down.

They average nine penalties so far in the first two games and they seem to be on their way to matching that total in today's game.

Eventually, the penalties could cost the Gators significantly, either in this game or later during the SEC schedule.

4. Keep Giving the Ball to Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey

Just like the first two games, the Florida Gators' offensive playmakers have been running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.

So far, the Tennessee Vols defense has been unable to contain the speed of Demps and Rainey.

Whether it be a screen pass or a run around the edge, Rainey and Demps have been able to gain significant yardage almost every time they touch the ball.

The Gators need to continue to feed their running backs to put this Vols defense away for good.

5. Special Teams Continues To Be a Strong Point for the Gators

The Florida Gators have dominated the special-teams play so far in this game.

Once again, the Gators were able to block another punt, setting themselves up with great field position for the offense.

Caleb Sturgis has also seen a lot of action due to the Gators' inability to score a touchdown from the red zone.

As of seven minutes left in the second quarter, he is 3-for-3 with a long of 47 yards.

It will be important for the Gators in the long run for Sturgis to regain his confidence from his sophomore season.