Florida Gators over Florida State Seminoles
Line: Florida -17.5; Over/Under: 53.5; TV: SEC Network
Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET; Ben Hill Griffin Stadium; Gainesville, Fla.
We continue with the obvious things that need to happen. And one of those things is something that is extremely difficult for all Vols fans to do, especially members of the younger generation who began following this program back in the 1990s. In fact, it’s brutal to say out loud to a community on Rocky Top.
But Tennessee football needs the Florida Gators to beat the Florida State Seminoles. Now, FSU is 6-5 on the year while Florida is 9-2. And this game is in Gainesville. As a result, it appears incredibly unlikely for Florida to lose this game. But nobody really knows what’s going to happen, as it’s still a rivalry game.
Anyway, Florida is No. 11 in the College Football Playoff. But if the Baylor Bears lose, they will move up to No. 10, and that’s the minimum position for them if they manage to beat Florida State. And that will get them into a New Year’s Six bowl game.
So while UT can do the easy thing and root against the Alabama Crimson Tide, they have to sacrifice their hatred of Florida for the good of the program. Florida winning works best for the Vols, and that makes it crucial for them to take care of business Saturday night. Failure to do so could wreck the Vols and the entire SEC.