The Tennessee Volunteers play host to the Florida Gators on Saturday afternoon in a crucial SEC showdown from Neyland Stadium. The Volunteers come into this one with an unblemished record, sitting at 3-0, while the Gators have already experienced an up-and-down season, even though they're not even a month in. Last season, the Gators dominated at home, while they've won each of the last four meetings by double-digits and nine of the last ten overall. With everyone trying to catch Georgia in the SEc East, this is a crucial game for both sides.
Florida started the season looking like they could be on their way to being the second team in the SEC East, but after taking down Utah, it hasn't been as smooth sailing the last few weeks. A loss to Kentucky in their SEC opener exposed some glaring weaknesses, while South Florida taking them to the wire last week has cast some doubt over what to expect out of the Gators this season. Now having to go on the road to a rival, things might get worse before they get better for this group. One key is the Gators have dominated this series over the last handful of years and with confidence sky-high when it comes to meetings between the two teams, they'll look to grab the win.
Florida does have a few injuries that they'll need to navigate in this, on both sides of the ball. David Conner (thumb) is questionable on the offensive line, while Arlis Boardingham (upper body) is in the same boat. On the defensive front, Ventrell Miller (lower body) and Jaydon Hill (knee) are questionable as well.
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The offense has sputtered to open the year and considering the points they may need to put up on the road in this one, there are definite concerns. Anthony Richardson has been slow out of the gates and with the Gators ranked 121st nationally in passing, there are concerns about how they might move the ball in this one. Controlling the game on the ground has been their key so far this season and if they have to get into a passing face-off, it could be a challenge.
Defensively, the Gators have struggled as well. They have been strong in slowing down opponents through the air but as Kentucky showed just a few weeks ago, moving the ball on the ground isn't an issue. If this group can't get off the field, especially on the road, it could spell a long day against their conference rival. Trey Dean III (30 tackles) is one of the SEC's most imposing safeties and if he can set the tone and keep the secondary in order, they could find success against the Volunteers.