Tennessee is heading to Gainesville with plans to leave the Swamp with the program's first win since 2003. The 7-3 Vols have hopes to win double-digit games by winning out and winning their bowl, but that starts with Saturday night's rivalry matchup against Florida.
The 3-7 Gators are on the other end of the spectrum. Their season is over, they aren't going to a bowl game, and they don't have much to play for, except for those hoping to keep a roster spot with the new coach coming in next season.
Despite the contrasting seasons, it doesn't mean this game will be a cake walk for the Vols. The Gators still have a solid team and could upset the Vols with home-field advantage on their side.
There are three things Tennessee is going to need to do if it wants to escape the Swamp with its first win in over two decades.
1. Strike early
Ideally, Tennessee will be the first team to score a touchdown in this game, but even if they're not, the Vols still need to strike early. The Vols have infamously struggled offensively on the road, but if they can jump out early, they might be able to avoid the issues they've faced under Josh Heupel.
Florida's defense is pretty stout, making it challenging for opposing offenses to drive down the field, much less score touchdowns.
Tennessee should have a pretty decent blueprint for this game; however, with the Gators coming off three-straight losses, including giving up 38 points to Kentucky and 34 points to Ole Miss in back-to-back weeks.
2. Win the turnover battle
Tennessee lost the turnover battle to Oklahoma, which resulted in the Vols' third loss of the season and cost them a shot at the College Football Playoff for the second straight season.
This can't be another issue for the Vols if they want to win a tough road rivalry game. Florida fans will have the Swamp loud, and it will be up to the Vols, specifically Joey Aguilar, to protect the football and allow the Tennessee offense to control the game.
In each of Tennessee's three losses, the Vols finished with an equal amount of turnovers or lost the turnover battle. The Vols have to win the turnover battle, force DJ Lagway into tough situations, and make him make bad decisions.
3. Win on the ground
Tennessee's offense is most effective when the run game is working. The Vols will be without Peyton Lewis, but DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas will still be available for the Vols at running back.
The Vols average 176.7 rushing yards per game, but have seen offensive explosions when the run game averages around 200 yards per game. That's asking a lot against Florida's strong defensive front, but the Vols are going to have to establish the run game early and lean on it to find the end zone consistently.
Tennessee and Florida are set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET on ABC. It's yet another road night game for the Vols in another tough environment, but it's one of Tennessee's best opportunities to leave the Swamp with a win since its last road win against Florida in 2003.