GAINESVILLE -- Florida's offense looked to be back on track after a positive showing last week, but the unit showed more of its previous, more frustrating form during Saturday's 27-3 victory against Vanderbilt.

The Gators managed just 251 total yards and only 121 rushing yards through three quarters, a far cry from their season averages of 446 total and 252 rushing yards per game.

Early struggles on the ground were a surprise, as UF boasts the Southeastern Conference's top rushing game and Vanderbilt's defense is ranked 11th in the conference against the run.

Florida also stalled on its only red-zone possession of the first half, settling for a 27-yard field goal after quarterback Tim Tebow was stuffed on third-and-2.

UF showed improvement in that department during the third quarter, capitalizing on a red-zone drive with Tebow's 1-yard touchdown run.

Running back Jeffery Demps provided the bright spot of the first half, taking an option pitch for a 25-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1 to make it 10-0.

It was the kind of run fans have come to expect from Demps. He sprinted down the right sideline, and although several defenders appeared to have good angles on him, he breezed right past.

But those runs have been in short supply during meaningful games this season.

Demps entered Saturday's game with an average of 7.7 yards per carry, the second-highest average in the nation. . But he hasn't shown the big runs that established him as a starter.

In 2008, Demps had five carries of 36 yards or longer in SEC play. He hasn't provided the same threat this season, as his touchdown run equaled his longest run against conference opponents.

He entered this week averaging 6.1 yards per carry in SEC play, which trailed teammate Emmanuel Moody's 6.8.

Part of the reason for Demps' drop in production could be found on the sideline Saturday.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin and Oakland Raiders' wideout Louis Murphy -- who led the Gators in receiving last year -- were in attendance, as both NFL teams have byes this week.

UF SLOWS STORMIN' NORMAN

UF kept Vanderbilt return man Warren Norman in check. Last week against Georgia Tech, Norman's 80-yard kickoff return touchdown made him just the second player in SEC history with three kick-return touchdowns in a season, and he already has set a school record for all-purpose yards by a freshman.

Through three quarters Saturday, Norman gained 83 yards on four kick returns. He had more success at running back.

Norman had a game-high 59 yards on nine carries entering the fourth quarter, including a 30-yard run that set up the Commodores' first score of the game, a 32-yard field goal.

ETC.

Safety Dorian Munroe did not dress. Munroe returned from preseason knee surgery to play on special teams last week against Georgia, but the Miami Coral Reef High grad could miss another long period of time after reinjuring his right knee. It was unclear when or how he sustained the injury. . . . The Gators threw a pass from the I-formation for the first time this season, as Tebow found Deonte Thompson on a 16-yard crossing pattern from under center in the second quarter.