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Tennessee football: Five reasons Vols can upset Florida Gators

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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2. Injuries significantly favor the Vols.

Three weeks ago, Tennessee football had all the issues. They were breaking in three new defensive linemen, had two first-time inside linebackers and also were starting a freshman cornerback. That was just on defense. On offense, they had a guy getting back into rhythm from blood clots that kept him limited since last November and also started two freshmen there.

Well, the development of those guys has been dramatic. Trey Smith, the guy with the blood clots, is still technically week to week, but he’s clearly settled in on the interior of the offensive line. Meanwhile, Daniel Bituli, the veteran of the defense, is back at inside linebacker. And, whether or not it’s right, Bryce Thompson is back at cornerback.

light. Related Story. Vols Week Three stock report

So the Vols are healthy now while Florida is really. One of the best ways for the Gators to attack the Vols is their elite pass-rush to exploit Jarrett Guarantano’s slow-developing pass plays. But Jabari Zuniga, their leader in sacks, is questionable. Meanwhile, C.J. Henderson, their best defensive back who could cause Guarantano, is also questionable.

Simply put, Florida is wrecked coming into this game. That’s the price of playing two Power Five teams so far. And UT is in better shape now than they were to start the season. That makes this game very intriguing. Finally, there’s the obvious issue of Florida being without their quarterback. Feleipe Franks’s season-ending injury leads to our biggest reason for the potential upset.

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