Rapid Reaction: Vols Lose Tenth Straight To Florida

At some point you just have to feel bad for a program.

The hype surrounding the Vols’ matchup with Florida was undeniable all week. Unfortunately, the team might have had too much youth to handle it, as Florida emerged victorious, 10-9.

The game was sloppy in the first half, with the Vols leading 3-0 at the half.

Florida couldn’t do anything on offense until backup quarterback Treon Harris came into the game for the Gators. He eventually led the Gators to the first touchdown of the game and then a game-winning field goal.

The Vols had a chance late in the fourth quarter, even picking up a critical fourth down conversion to keep a drive alive. But a costly interception by Justin Worley sealed the Volunteers’ fate.

It was yet another heartbreaking loss for the Vols.

Notes & Thoughts: 

• Tennessee protected Worley pretty well against a stout defensive line.
• The Vols’ run game appeared to take a step back. Tennessee rushed 29 times for 28 yards.
• Tennessee moved the ball much more effectively against Georgia than they did against Florida.. The Vols squandered several opportunities to put the game away.
• Pig Howard stepped up big time for Tennessee, catching six passes for 79 yards.
• Cam Sutton and Todd Kelly both had interceptions in the game. They are clearly Tennessee’s best defensive backs.
• Jalen Reeves-Maybin continued his high level of play. He also grabbed an interception.
• Derek Barnett notched his first sack of his career. He’s going to be a good one.
• Vols killed themselves with penalties in the first half. They killed several drives with false starts.

Final Thought

Not a lot to say about this one. Vols should’ve won. They just didn’t get the job done. They didn’t convert in the red zone. They’ll eventually start winning. I just don’t know win.