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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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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 26: A penalty flag is seen uring a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts on August 26, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 26: A penalty flag is seen uring a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts on August 26, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

6. Penalties

Every time I name penalties as a key to a game, I feel like I’m giving the most cliche take possible. However, when you look at Tennessee football and Florida, it’s obvious that this is a big issue. Honestly, it could be the biggest factor in the game.

Both the Vols and the Gators are among the worst teams in the nation at committing penalties. Florida is No. 106 in limiting penalty yards, surrendering 67.67 a game, and the Vols are No. 112, surrendering 71.33 a game.

In Rocky Top’s loss to Pitt, penalties were the difference, as they surrendered 13 for an abysmal 134 yards. Now, Florida didn’t lose to Alabama because of penalties, as the Tide had 11 for 75 yards, but the Gators could have had an advantage had they not surrendered seven for 67 yards. They have been more consistent than UT.

Last week, the Vols actually improved significantly, surrendering only 35 yards on three penalties. However, it’s impossible to deny that they came against Tennessee Tech. As a result, we have to see what they do against a team like Florida. Both teams’ offenses make them vulnerable to penalties, so the one that has trouble Saturday gives the other a huge advantage.

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