When choosing a game, we are supposed to pick with our heads, not our heart. That, is sometimes so hard to do, and today is no different. With that said, who are we picking today and why….
WHAT WE KNOW: We know that this is probably the worst Florida team to suit up in Gainesville in quite some time. They have question marks on both sides of the ball all over the field. On the flip side, the Vols also have questions all over the field as well. From offensive line(being the biggest question for Vols), to the quarterback position, how will the Vols be able to pull the upset tonight (UF -4.5).
The Vols must be able to run the ball effectively enough to give JG some time to throw the ball deep downfield. They very well could find creases in the Florida defense that gave up a whopping 303 yards rushing to Kentucky at home, but only gave up 70 yards to Colorado State just one week ago. Tennessee is coming off of a game where the score doesn’t show just how dominant they were, rushing for 345 yards, including 158 from sophomore, Ty Chandler.
Can Jarrett Guarantano continue to play mistake free football? The 6’4″ sophomore hasn’t had eye-popping stat lines, but 2 stats that definitely stand out are the fact he has 0 interceptions through 3 games and is completing 72% of his passes.
The Gators QB position hasn’t been as solid. Feleipe Franks, only completing 53%, appears to struggle most when under pressure. Tennessee, however, has not been able to find consistent pressure on the quarterback yet this year.
PREDICTION: Yes, both of these team have questions. But, this does not change the fact that this is Tennessee/Florida, this is “the rivalry” to these kids, and this can be a program changer for Tennessee.
I think Tennessee matches up really well by position with the Gators and feel that the Vols in fact have better skill position players than does Florida. JG has another solid performance, Ty Chandler has another 100+ yard game rushing and the Vols capitalize on a night game in Neyland. VOLS 23, GATORS 17
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