It was the first game of the SEC season last year, and it could have been the most important moment in Florida’s Billy Napier era.
Tennessee could not get past the Gators in a 29-16 win. That was the last fun game of a 5-7 season. With big wins in Knoxville and over Mississippi State and UCF, there is a chance to keep changing the story.
But after this, things get very scary: a dangerous date with Kentucky, then Georgia, then at Texas, then at LSU, and then at Ole Miss.
Last week, Arkansas shocked the Vols by beating them 19–14. However, five of their next six games are at home. There is a game at Georgia on the road coming up, but this should be a good run before that.
Florida vs Tennessee Preview
Florida vs Tennessee How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
Venue: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
How to Watch: ESPN
Tennessee (4-1), Florida (3-2)
Why Florida Will Win
Perhaps Florida is not completely unhappy after all, and it is just that Miami and Texas A&M, the two teams it lost to, are that good.
Another possibility is that Tennessee is not this invincible force, and the two good teams it beat, NC State and Oklahoma, are not that great.
The defence is not very good, but the passing game keeps being exact and effective. Things go well when the running game picks up speed.
The Gators should get at least four yards per carry on average, and they should keep the clock and the pace under control the whole game.
What did Arkansas do right that helped them beat Tennessee? For 35:29, it had the ball and put pressure on Nico Iamaleava. But…
Why Tennessee Will Win
The Gators have done a good job of protecting the quarterback, but Tennessee, which is ranked first in the country in converting third downs, has a strong pass rush that will make the game difficult for the whole time.
It had two sacks against the Hogs, and Florida’s offence, which only keeps the ball for 26:49 per game, should have trouble with it.
Tennessee’s offence slowed down a bit against Oklahoma and Arkansas, but it still has a lot of pop, and the running game will keep beating away. Even though the team moves quickly, Florida should have to play in their own style.
Florida vs Tennessee: Who Will Win
It won’t be the dominant performance of last year, but Florida will be dangerous enough to keep this alive for a while. The defense, though, won’t be strong enough to hold up.
Don’t be shocked when the Gators rolls up over 400 yards and make Tennessee push a bit, but one big Vol scoring surge will take over in the second half.
The Tennessee lines will win the battles in the third quarter to finally breathe a little easier.
Florida vs Tennessee Prediction, Betting Lines
Tennessee 37, Florida 20
Line: Tennessee -15.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Florida vs Tennessee Must See Rating: 3.5
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