Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) drops back during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When Tennessee hosts the University of Florida on October 4th, both teams will be likely coming off loses…UT to Georgia and Florida to Alabama. The Gators, however, will be coming off a bye week. Florida has won an incredible 9 straight in this series, and should be favored to win this season’s game.
Jeff Driskel is coming back off a broken leg in last year’s game vs Tennessee that saw his season get cut short. Coach Will Muschamp will need his veteran QB to play well, as he is squarely on the hot seat after going 4-8 last season. The Gators are bringing back a talented defense, headlined by Sophomore CB Vernon Hargraves III and Junior DE Dante Fowler.
The Vols have been plagued by inconsistent play and critical mistakes against Florida over the past 20+ seasons, as they have gone a putrid 4-17 against the Gators since 1993 and 6-22 in the last 28 games of the series dating back to 1976. By the law of averages, the series is bound to turn around at some point. Prediction: The Vols will break the losing streak and beat the Gators in Neyland Stadium, 24-20. Tennessee improves to 3-2 and will host Chattanooga on October 11th.