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    • Tennessee football used a special offensive set to beat Florida in overtime
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    Tennessee football used a special offensive set to beat Florida in overtime

    Kathleen William Posted on

    Jaxson Moi led the way.

    The Tennessee football defender lined up in the offensive backfield and smashed into Florida's defensive front. Tight end Miles Kitselman followed Moi. Running back Dylan Sampson left both of them in the end zone.

    “It's definitely like they can't even really see me when they put everyone there like that,” Sampson said.

    No. 9 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) scored the game-winning touchdown in a 23-17 overtime win over Florida (3-3, 1-2) on Saturday at Neyland Stadium by running an extra-large offensive set threw the Gators. It featured Moi and his fellow defender Nathan Robinson.

    Vols coach Josh Heupel turned to the crease on three crucial plays, and she came through every time – including the game-winning touchdown.

    Why Tennessee football used a jumbo package against Florida

    Heupel conferred with defensive coordinator Tim Banks late in the second quarter. He wanted to attempt a fourth-and-1 at the Tennessee 10-yard line.

    He felt that Tennessee needed to keep Florida off the field while stimulating its offense. For extra muscle, he turned to Moi and Robinson.

    “I brought in a few defensive players,” said Heupel. “Give yourself an advantage right there.”

    The Vols put quarterback Nico Iamaleava under center, Kitselman lined up behind him and Sampson lined up deeper in the backfield. The 6-foot-1, 300-pound Moi lined up to Kitselman's left and then moved to line up next to Robinson, the 6-foot-1, 250-pound freshman lined up on the left side of the offensive line .

    “I think it scares the defense a little bit when we get a huge package like that,” Sampson said.

    Redshirt freshman DeSean Bishop gained six yards and a first down. Iamaleava was intercepted three plays later, but Florida failed to take advantage and extended its lead to over 3-0 at halftime, making Heupel's hopes come true.

    Heupel explained that the Vols discovered a Florida defense on film that led to the inclusion of the jumbo set.

    He returned to the game late in the third quarter when Tennessee threatened to score for the first time. Moi, a Stanford transfer, was clearing the way for a 6-yard Sampson touchdown when Tennessee scored for the first time.

    Jaxson Moi and Nathan Robinson were perfect fits for the Vols against Florida

    Bryson Eason is not lobbying to be included in the jumbo package. The senior defensive lineman emphasized that he has a good command of his role in the defense. He's a tackler, not a blocker.

    The offensive secondary task remains with Moi and Robinson.

    “They’re two big, thick, explosive, long guys,” Heupel said. “You have the ability to move people.”

    They did this on the last play of overtime. Robinson again set the left edge of the line and Moi took his place in the backfield. Moi ran straight towards Robinson to get reinforcements. Sampson was confident he would score no matter what. The defensive duo made sure of that.

    “I know I’m going to get positive yards every time we come in there, so I like it,” Sampson said.

    ADAMS: Not in an artistic way, but Tennessee football is happy about every win against Florida

    Florida's defensive front – including 449-pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson – never stood a chance.

    Sampson, who scored 15 rushing touchdowns this season, got into the end zone. Moi signaled the landing and jumped around frantically. Robinson followed suit.

    The defense, which has helped the offense in recent weeks, went a step further on Saturday by loaning two players to the offense – and the Vols won thanks to the help.

    Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you like Mike's coverage, consider a digital subscription to access everything.

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    Kathleen William
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