Florida Gators Football: 4 Things We Learned About the Gators Against Vanderbilt

In desperate need of a win to snap their four-game losing streak, the Florida Gators were able to come away with the victory against the Vanderbilt Commodores, 26-21.

Although it wasn't pretty at times, the Gators were able to execute enough on offense to give them their highest point total since their matchup against Kentucky where they scored 48 points.

On defense, Matt Elam and the defensive line shined, while Caleb Sturgis was able to return and perform well for the special teams.

It was an overall good performance for the Gators, and fans were able to evaluate this team a little further as they prepare for the final three games on their schedule.

Here are four things we learned about the Florida Gators in their 26-21 win against Vanderbilt this past weekend.

1. The Running Game Gives the Gators the Best Chance to Win

Jeff Demps was the best player for the Gators this weekend against Vanderbilt as he ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.

The running game was the best option for the Gators' offense throughout the game, and the presence of Jeff Demps added another dimension to Florida's struggling offensive unit.

It's clear that when the Gators are able to get the running game going, their chances of winning the game significantly increase. In their five victories this season, Florida has had at least 130 rushing yards in each of those games. 

In their four losses, Florida has failed to reach 100 yards rushing in three of those games.

So far into this season, a victory for Florida seems to be dependent on the success of the running game.

2. The Pistol Formation Works for Florida

Due to John Brantley's nagging ankle injury and inability to take a snap from under center because of the injury, Charlie Weis adjusted Florida's offense to work out of the pistol formation. 

This change was really to the Gators' benefit as it gave the Gators running game a better formation to run out of than just a normal shotgun formation. It also allowed Brantley enough time and space from the defensive line to get a pass off.

From the shotgun, Florida's game plan was a little too predictable for the Georgia defense. The pistol provides the Gators with some ambiguity on offense, which helps the Gators keep the opposing defense from anticipating what the play will be.

3. No Separation in the Florida Wide Receivers

Although John Brantley completed 16 of his 24 passes during Saturday's game, none of the Florida wide receivers separated themselves from the others.

The team's leading receiver was athlete Trey Burton with three receptions for 41 yards. Tight end Jordan Reed was the only other Florida player with three receptions. All other receivers had two or less. 

Until one of the wide receivers for Florida can step up and become a reliable target in the passing game, Brantley will struggle to develop much of a rhythm with his wide receivers. The lack of a playmaking presence has caused the Florida offense to become too one-dimensional.

And against Vanderbilt, the question of which wide receiver will step up for the Gators still remains as Brantley received hardly any help in the passing game. 

Let's hope this can change as the Gators move into the last three games on their schedule.

4. Dominique Easley and Sharrif Floyd Are Legitimate

If the Vanderbilt game taught Florida fans anything, it was that the future at defensive line looks very bright.

Sophomores Dominique Easley and Sharrif Floyd shined in yesterday's game as they wreaked havoc in the Vanderbilt backfield on several occasions.

Statistically, Floyd had the better day with three solo tackles including one tackle for loss, but Easley was around the football all game and often forced double teams, which opened up the line for players like Floyd or Jaye Howard.

Floyd even showed that he could be a difference maker on special teams as he blocked Vanderbilt's first field goal attempt by swiftly getting by his blocker.

Both Floyd and Easley show a great first jump off the line, and they are some of the quickest linemen in all of the SEC. Although they are sophomores, these two players will combine to be something special during the rest of the 2011 season and throughout the rest of the careers together.