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Tennessee football vs. Florida: 10 keys to the game for Vols and Gators

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel coaching during the second half against the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel coaching during the second half against the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida Gators defensive lineman Justus Boone (12) looks on before the game against the South Florida Bulls at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 17, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs South Florida Bulls
Florida Gators defensive lineman Justus Boone (12) looks on before the game against the South Florida Bulls at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 17, 2022. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs South Florida Bulls /

6. Gators’ ability, or lack thereof, to generate a pass rush

One of Hendon Hooker’s biggest weaknesses last year was standing in the pocket too long and taking too many sacks. He’s significantly improved on that this year, and when you combine it with his mobility, he’s clearly taken a huge step forward. However, you still have to get some pressure on him, or he’ll torch you.

Florida has been awful at rushing the passer this year. The Gators have grand total of two sacks on the season. If they are going to beat Tennessee football, they have to nullify this disadvantage. Although they don’t get sacked much either, just giving up three on the year, they have so many other issues in the passing game that it doesn’t matter.

Given the number of downfield shots Josh Heupel likes to take, Hendon Hooker could be poised for a big day if Florida doesn’t get to him. That former Gator Gerald Mincey has emerged as the Vols’ primary blindside blocker should only make this storyline more intriguing.

Hooker showed he’s able to survive an aggressive pass rush against Pitt. Florida is significantly worse than that. If they can’t improve at all in this game, though, they’ll be in trouble, as it’ll allow Hooker to torch them through the air and running with the ball.

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