Coming off of an embarrassing performance at the hands of the Crimson Tide the Gators needed an outstanding defensive performance, and they got one all around.
From the defensive side of the ball, Florida produced six sacks and allowed the Volunteers only 233 yards.
They were so good no individual on the unit was even given the game ball, instead the whole unit got the honor, an honor bestowed on an all-around good effort.
"We felt like from a front standpoint we had some guys who could rush and get pressure with four," Muschamp said. "We were able to do so. We covered well on the back end. There were so many positives. Within each group we had some guys that had productive days. Bryan Cox had a great day, Jalen Tabor for a freshman — for any player — had an outstanding game."
Muschamp highlighted Marcus Maye, singling him out as playing the best game he’s had all year, then applauded both Maye and Jabari Gorman for their play on special teams, giving them special teams player of the game as well as kicker Austin Hardin.
Muschamp said they communicated well — a struggle during the Alabama game — and executed their assignments much better. This could be from having with extra time during the bye week to prepare for Tennessee and to go back to basics.
The Gators also stripped away some of the checks that are usually made at the line of scrimmage by the secondary to reduce confusion and allow players to play fast without thinking, only reacting.
Injury update: Receiver Valdez Showers is the only player confirmed that is out for the LSU game.
Defensive lineman Leon Orr is questionable for Saturday’s game against LSU with a knee injury, with Muschamp saying he’s worked out, and continues to progress. Linebacker Mike Taylor has resolved his knee injury but contracted the flu, but is still expected to play.
Receiver CJ Worton has recovered from sustaining a broken hand and will play Saturday. Quarterback Will Grier is good to go after being cleared by trainers for having back spasm, as are running backs Brandon Powell and Matt Jones.
Muschamp assesses offensive line: After any absence rust becomes a factor for players, and it can take different amounts of time to return to game speed. This is the case for left tackle D.J. Humphries.
"He and I talked after the game," Muschamp said. "That’s one thing about D.J., he’s a hard self-evaluator and came to me and said, ‘boy, we need to tighten some things up.’ He’ll get back into the swing. I’ve been pleased with his practice so far this week."
Besides Humphries, Muschamp said freshman Roderick Johnson continues to get better although he did get beat on a stunt in a critical situation.
Fellow-freshman lineman David Sharpe was also mentioned as someone the coaching staff is comfortable with moving forward. Center Max Garcia was the offensive lineman of the game and continues to have "an amazing year" according to Muschamp.
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Redshirt sophomore defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. helps tackle a Tennessee player during Florida's 10-9 victory against Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
