Tennessee Football: Sitewide Predictions for the Florida Game

The Tennessee football team has a huge game this Saturday night when their rivals, the Florida Gators, head to town.

The Tennessee Volunteers will have their first SEC matchup of the year when the Florida Gators head to Neyland Stadium under the lights. Both teams head into this game with a 2-1 record. This game will feature two teams who are still trying to figure out things under their new coaches.

Stetson Marlin’s Prediction:

Like the Vanderbilt – South Carolina game, this is a very hard game to pick. The Volunteers need a fast start, which they haven’t had all season. There are many factors that go into this game for the Volunteers to win.

First, they need the offensive line to play good, making their blocks and staying away from penalties. Second, the Volunteers have to make the most of their offensive possessions. They have to put points on the board, which is something they didn’t do last week against UTEP. Third, they have to force turnovers. They have struggled to force turnovers through the first three games. Lastly, the defense has to get to Feleipe Franks. If the Volunteers are able to get to Franks, they will have a good chance to win.

Tennessee 21 – Florida 17

Kyle Schmidt’s Prediction:

Saturday night the Volunteers will host the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium.  While this game doesn’t carry the same meaning it once did, it is still very important to both programs.  Florida is trying to avoid starting 0-2 in the SEC and Tennessee is looking for their first SEC win since November 26, 2016.  Both teams have new head coaches and are coming off similar seasons.  I look for this to be a sloppy game with plenty of mistakes from both teams and ultimately it will come down to who can control the line of scrimmage.

Florida has struggled against the run this season and the Vols are averaging 221 yards/game.  If the Vols want to win this game, the offensive line will have to be better against the Gators pass rush.  This will definitely be a close game and the crowd will be a huge factor.  In the end, I think the Vols will pull off a close one and get Jeremy Pruitt his first signature win.

Tennessee 23 – Florida 21

Austin Wright’s Prediction:

The Tennessee Volunteers have a lot riding on Coach Pruitt’s first game against Florida and the home crowd could be critical. The Vols are looking to make a statement against a Gators teams that are trying to rebound in SEC play after losing epically to Kentucky. Tennessee will have to be on their A- game to win but their inexperience will show and will fall to Florida.

Florida 28 – Tennessee 17

Chris Clark’s Prediction:

The Volunteers have yet to impress me. They looked subpar versus teams they should beat, and the ONLY reason they won is, well, because they were facing teams they SHOULD BEAT. I don’t see them beating Florida.

Florida 32 – Tennessee 20

Mike Patton’s Prediction:

The Tennessee Vols take on their first SEC challenge of the season in Florida. The Gators have not been the Gators of the past but they will still be a challenge.  The Vols will compete but ultimately the lack of an offensive line and the youth of their defensive secondary will cost them.

Florida 31 – Tennessee 20