Florida’s offense is in a downward spiral. After averaging 53.5 points and 532.75 yards per game through September, the Gators have averaged just 15.6 points and 294.8 yards per game over their last five contests.
Their worst performance came most recently, when they managed just seven points and 203 yards in a home loss to Oklahoma in Week 10.
Running back Duke Clark was the lone bright spot in his first game back since suffering an ankle injury against South Carolina. The sophomore rushed six times for 28 yards, including a 13-yard run that set up Florida’s only score of the game. He also caught four passes for 70 yards. Clark accounted for four of Florida’s eight explosive plays against Oklahoma, three of which came through the air.
Head coach Jon Sumrall singled out Clark postgame.
“I thought Duke Clark flashed, but outside of that, I didn’t really feel like we had a very good performance as a whole.
For an offense that’s searching for answers and more explosive plays, Clark could be in line for an expanded role.
“One thing about Duke is, and you guys saw it the other night, is he brings some juice,” offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner said. “When he hits the hole downhill, he hits it fast.”
Clark ranks second in the SEC in explosive run play percentage among running backs with at least 40 carries, according to SEC Stat Cat. He also leads the conference in 20-plus-yard run play percentage. The sample size is relatively small, but Clark has already shown he can provide a spark against quality SEC competition, including Auburn, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma.
“He can impact us because he can create explosive plays, right? Explosive players are how you create explosive plays, and he’s one of those and we’re glad he’s back. He’s got a bright future here as well,” Faulkner said.
Faulkner also indicated to reporters that Clark wasn’t playing at 100 percent. Even so, he outsnapped Jadan Baugh 25-24 against Oklahoma. It marked the first time this season that a Florida running back had more snaps and touches than Baugh.
Junior offensive lineman Harrison Moore also praised Clark’s speed in the open field and his ability to accelerate through the hole.
“He’s very explosive. You know, I think he obviously y’all saw it in the Auburn, especially that Ole Miss game before he got hurt. You know that dude can fly. He’s fast as all get out, and he does a really good job of helping the offensive line out,” Moore said. “Just hitting the hole and hitting it fast, which makes my job easier. So I love when he’s back there.”
Clark has also proven to be a weapon in the passing game. Against Auburn, he found a soft spot in the defense on a broken play before recording his first receiving touchdown of the year. Against Oklahoma, he recorded three explosive receptions, including a 33-yard catch.
Baugh’s role in Florida’s offense isn’t going anywhere, but Clark has made a compelling case for a larger share of the workload. The Gators don’t need to replace Baugh. They need to find more ways to get Clark involved. With his ability to turn touches into explosive plays, he could give an offense searching for answers a much-needed spark.
Clark has run the ball 42 times for 293 yards this season, an average of 7.0 yards per carry. He’s also averaging over 10 yards per catch.
