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Tennessee football at Florida: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 3, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the second half between the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2018; Gainesville, FL, USA; A general view of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the second half between the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Tennvstt0918 1816
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Tennvstt0918 1816 /

7. Who gets the big play on special teams?

This series’ history tells you special teams is a big deal. There’s the obvious Collins Cooper field goal miss in 1998 to give Tennessee football the win, and then there’s the James Wilhoit 50-yard field goal to give them the win in 2004. In Dan Mullen’s first game ever coaching against UT, as an assistant with Florida in 2005, three UT special teams miscues were the difference in a 16-7 loss.

We could go through the list of other games in which this was key, but let’s look at this year, first. Velus Jones Jr. getting healthy for the Vols is a big deal, as he averaged nearly 11 yards a punt return last week and would’ve a kickoff back for a touchdown had a penalty not offset it. At the same time, the Vols blocked a punt that set up their first score against Pitt.

However, Florida’s Xzavier Henderson has had a 45-yard punt return. Funny enough, Paxton Brooks and Jeremy Crenshaw are both averaging 47 yards per punt, so assuming Brooks is back this week, these teams could be evenly matched on that front.

On the kicking front, the Vols should have the advantage with Chase McGrath, who hasn’t missed a field goal or extra point yet. Florida’s Chris Howard made his only attempt, but it was only from 25 yards. As a result, while this could come down to a big play in the return game, look to see if the place kicking game gives UT an edge.

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