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

2. Ability of Gators to intercept passes vs. Vols’ ability to avoid interceptions

Beyond just Florida throwing interceptions and Tennessee football fumbling too much, there’s another turnover factor that comes into play here, and it deals with Florida’s potential to pick up interceptions. Despite their issues, they have picked off four passes on the year, which ties them for No. 19 in the nation.

On the other hand, though, UT hasn’t thrown any picks on the year. Hendon Hooker has an insane state line of 37 passing touchdowns to just three interceptions since taking over as the Vols’ starter last year. So far this year, he has thrown six touchdowns and has no picks.

Hooker’s last interception came at the beginning of last November, when the Vols were facing the historically great Georgia Bulldogs’ defense. His other pick was against the other team to play for the national title, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and his first pick was late against Pitt last year, the first game he played significantly.

Simply put, Hooker doesn’t throw picks, but Florida intercepts passes, so which one will give way in this one? Knowing the history, the Vols’ fumbling issues will show, and Florida will win this question, but both are going to be key to this game. Taking history out of it, though, all of this should favor the Vols.