Tennessee vs. Florida Last Minute Predictions

With the Volunteers set to go in The Swamp in Gainesville, here are the last minute predictions for the 45th annual Tennessee vs. Florida football game.

The game every Vol fan has circled is finally here.

The 2-1 Tennessee Volunteers are looking to end a 10-game losing streak to the Florida Gators in Gainesville on Saturday in their conference opener.

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Florida, meanwhile, is 3-0 and 1-0 in the conference under first-year head coach Jim McElwain and could really make a statement with a win over the Vols, even if it is their 11th straight, to get to 4-0 and in a great position to compete for the SEC East title.

This game has major implications for the season outside of just the rivalry itself.

With major questions surrounding both teams, let’s take a look at the last-minute predictions on how this game will play out.

1. Neither Quarterback Will Throw for 200 Yards

Expect a game decided up front. The Vols and the Gators will both struggle through the air Saturday, but it will be for different reasons.

Florida simply does not have the quarterback play it needs yet, and with Treon Harris suspended, Tennessee’s elite secondary has had all week to prepare for Will Grier. And the Front Seven has been very good at getting a rush. But the main reason is just that the Gators have a flat-out terrible passing game with Grier. Grier is young, to be fair, and could develop in McElwain’s offensive brilliance, but for right now, he will not generate anything.

Joshua Dobbs, meanwhile, is actually a good quarterback for Tennessee, but he has one major weakness. That is being able to make good throws under pressure. Dobbs can offset that with his mobility and is a great pocket passer when he has protection, but Florida will generate lots of pressure on what is still an inexperienced offensive line with its elite front seven. When that happens, he will have very few chances to throw the ball accurately, so his production through the air will be limited all day.

2. Special Teams Will Play a Deciding Role

This is huge for both teams.

The Florida Gators have major issues on special teams right now as far as kicking goes, starting with place-kicker Austin Hardin. Hardin is three of six on the year kicking, but he is one of four in his last two games and 0 for two in his most recent outing. All of these kicks were within 40 yards. Meanwhile, Punter Johnny Townsend has been inconsistent but has at least shown a strong leg, and their return game has not yet generated any big plays.

Tennessee, meanwhile, has been great on special teams with Evan Berry, Cameron Sutton, and Alvin Kamara all generating headlines in the return game. Aaron Medley is the weakest link at place-kicker, but he is almost automatic within 40 yards, which is a huge advantage, and Trevor Daniel might be the best punter in all of college football.

Special teams will play a deciding role because if they look like they have through the first three games for both teams, then Tennessee has a huge advantage that likely leads to victory. If Florida catches up this week, then things could take a turn in their favor.

3. The Team that Wins the Rushing Battle Wins the Game

This includes sacks against the quarterback and loss of yardage plays. It has been a staple of this football series since the rivalry took off in 1990, and it will never be more prudent than it is this year.

As we mentioned previously, the Vols and Gators are unlikely to get anything going in the passing game because of the matchup issues. But they both have mobile quarterbacks and will be looking to establish the run from the outset.

Florida has a more elite front seven than Tennessee, but Tennessee has more elite running backs than Florida. That will still make for greatness on the field the entire time. Tennessee will be looking for 200 yards on the ground with Jalen Hurd, Alvin Kamara, and Joshua Dobbs’s mobility. But the Gators will use a slew of running backs and Grier’s mobility to get there.

This is where Treon Harris will be severely missed at quarterback for Florida. He led the comeback for the Gators last year. But they should still be able to run the ball.

Next: Five Most Memorable Plays for the Vols in the Florida Series

With the Volunteers set to go in The Swamp in Gainesville, here are the last minute predictions for the 45th annual Tennessee vs. Florida football game.

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