Tennessee Vols: Game-By-Game 2017 Predictions For Vols
By Zach Ragan
September 16 — Tennessee @ Florida
Tennessee finally broke their long losing streak to Florida in 2016, but that doesn’t mean they can start taking the Gators lightly.
Florida has been able to win the SEC East the last two years thanks mostly to their strong defense.
The Gators, however, suffered significant losses on defense this year. Both starting cornerbacks are gone, as well as defensive tackle Caleb Brantley. Those will be tough losses for new defensive coordinator Randy Shannon to overcome.
Florida will also have to deal with some uncertainty at the quarterback position. Redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks will compete with Luke Del Rio to be the Gators’ starting quarterback in 2017.
Of course, it doesn’t really matter who Florida’s starting quarterback is when they play Tennessee. The Gators have been able to beat the Vols with their backup quarterback on numerous occasions.
If this game were taking place in Knoxville, I’d give the nod to Tennessee. But this year the game is in Gainesville and until the Vols prove they can win in the swamp, we have to assume they won’t.
Prediction: Florida wins (2-1)