Who Will Win: Florida at Tennessee?

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I see five interesting games this week involving SEC teams, that could conceiveably go either way (LSU/Auburn, Arkansas/Vanderbilt, Ole Miss/Kentucky, Tulane/Mississippi State, and Florida/Tennessee).

Who do you THINK will win between........Florida at Tennesseee?

[TrueGCFan]

If we see the same Tenn. D as last week then FL will roll. Which is the real Tenn. D? I don't know.

[Kevhugh]

I think being at home gives Tennessee a slight boost that keeps this game close. My best guess would be something like 20-16 Florida.

[allaboutavol]

If Tennessee could find some sense of consistancy this question would be easier to answer.....

[hmsdawgs]

Tough game to pick as an outside fan watching this one. Which UT team will show up? What happens when UF plays a good SEC defense? Will Percy Harvin be the difference maker? Will Leak run the spread O better this year? And more and more questions about the UT team as a whole as well.

My pick- UF-24 UT-16

While I pick UF, I will be rooting hard for UT as I think we have a good shot to beat them at home this year and that would give us an inside track to the East. We will definitely have a better idea about these two good teams after Saturday.
I will only say this once, Go Vols!

[OleMissPike]

I think the Vols just took a little vacation last week, it will be back to work Saturday; Vols win the SEC's first OT thriller.

[shanksta13]

I think the Vols just took a little vacation last week, it will be back to work Saturday.


I agree, I definitely have to believe that the Vols were looking ahead to us. That means that the Gators may be seeing a lot of new stuff. Cutliffe will be looking for any weaknesses at all that he can find in this Gator team, and if there are any that he can exploit for the majority of the game, then the Vols might scratch out a win.

That said, I definitely think the Gators should win. The offense is looking great, granted against "cupcakes". We worked on a silent count last week to prepare for Neyland and that should give us a hand on the crowd. As much as I hate to say it, I think that the 2 UT injuries may play a big part in this game, especially late. I think UT's speed will be worn out by the end of the 3rd quarter and UF might hang some points through the air late in the game. I like us by 10-14 pts. Call me crazy...

[Foxman]

I agree, I definitely have to believe that the Vols were looking ahead to us. That means that the Gators may be seeing a lot of new stuff. Cutliffe will be looking for any weaknesses at all that he can find in this Gator team, and if there are any that he can exploit for the majority of the game, then the Vols might scratch out a win.

That said, I definitely think the Gators should win. The offense is looking great, granted against "cupcakes". We worked on a silent count last week to prepare for Neyland and that should give us a hand on the crowd. As much as I hate to say it, I think that the 2 UT injuries may play a big part in this game, especially late. I think UT's speed will be worn out by the end of the 3rd quarter and UF might hang some points through the air late in the game. I like us by 10-14 pts. Call me crazy...

Well, you do have point. Thouse 2 injuries could kill us if we don't find replacements. Turk McBride (who recently moved to end) will probably come back and fill Harrel's spot. And we may have to shift some people from saftey to corner without Inky. I'm looking for Florida to attack the crap out of whoever they put in at that corner spot, and maybe run more to Harrel's old spot. But I think Chivas will have whoever it is prepared to step up.

All in all, Its going to be a close game. Neyland is going to be PACKED and LOUD (I know I'm going :beer: :jestera: :celebrate: ). Fewest mistakes wins, and whoever wins wins by a late score in the 4th.

GO VOLS!!!!!

[BubbaVol]

Wars ma mediar guid wun I needs it?

This may sound funny to some of you, but there is quite a bit of talent that waits on the sidelines each week. Why is it the Vols are replacing 6 of the defensive front seven and have played well. My concerns are more about the LBs than the front four. Last year Florida had a tough time getting their offense to work at home against the Vol defense. This years defense (time will tell you all about Air Force) is very hungry and plays with a lot more discipline. Now what has truly changed about this years match-up. Florida is making some changes on defense as well and are untested to this point. Bigger than that is the Vol offense that has only been stopped on rare occasions so far. Colquit took the game off Saturday, since the only two Vol possesions that didn't end in scores was an interception and running the clock out. And I'll tell you all right now that the interception was a good thing. Ainge was on fire, but near the end of the game he started to get the Favre head and think he could put it anywhere. The Vols will be fine with or without Foster. Hardesty and Coker can pound the rock and give fits to defenses.

Vols 27
Gators 18

[sandina]

Tough game to pick as an outside fan watching this one. Which UT team will show up? What happens when UF plays a good SEC defense? Will Percy Harvin be the difference maker? Will Leak run the spread O better this year? And more and more questions about the UT team as a whole as well.

My pick- UF-24 UT-16

While I pick UF, I will be rooting hard for UT as I think we have a good shot to beat them at home this year and that would give us an inside track to the East. We will definitely have a better idea about these two good teams after Saturday.
I will only say this once, Go Vols!

Ditto to your entire post, except I kinda' think it's a bigger than an 8 point spread for Florida...maybe 2 touchdowns. I'm not convinced yet UT has really "rebounded" that much from last year.

[GatorHunter]

Cut will find it hard to "exploit" a defensive weakness in the Gators...not wanting to sound like a homer, but I don't see any. The defensive secondary was suppose to be our only weakness...but with the emergence of Smith and Joiner....it's more of a strength. Granted, we've played 2 "lesser" teams...but neither were "cupcakes"...both played in bowl games last season...and USM wouldn't have scored had if not for the Gator TO that put them on the 25.

The Gator offense looks "better"....Leak is obviously more comfortable...he's staying in the pocket and running when he needs to....he's not sliding like last season either...granted I'm sure he will before letting one of UT's LB smash him. Our offense looks great....Even though the defenses we've played the past couple of weeks were not "SEC-Caliber"...the Gators are just executing better...we've got a stable of WRs and the running game looks descent.

As far as UT...I cannot make an educated assessment of them because I haven't watched them at all. But I can say this, they will have extreme difficulty running on UF...with or without Foster. Ainge will also have trouble completing passes with Nelson and Joiner roaming the field. I think it will be close, as all UF-UT games tend to be, but I think UF wins simply because our offense is clicking and our defense is just nasty.

UF: 30
UT: 13

GO GATORS!!!!

[GeauxTo]

not wanting to sound like a homer.

Oops! Too late!
:laugh:

[GatorHunter]

Oops! Too late!
:laugh:

Geaux...come on now, you callin' be a homer is the ultimate "pot callin' the kettle black!" :laugh:

[blockallhaters]

I'll be a Homer we wil whip that voluntear butt. To you Vols that means yall ain't gonna wen. lol

[GatorNation]

Why is it the Vols are replacing 6 of the defensive front seven and have played well. My concerns are more about the LBs than the front four. Last year Florida had a tough time getting their offense to work at home against the Vol defense. This years defense (time will tell you all about Air Force) is very hungry and plays with a lot more discipline.
You had a better D last year....and we were running the spread with two WRs after Bubba's injury. You'll be facing a MUCH better UF team this week with a lot more speed, depth, overall weapons, and a better defense with more experience.

Gators in a close one because of freshmen TOs.

I like the score someone else posted:

UF 20
UT 16

[GatorHunter]

This is a tough game to call. I truly believe that UT is a better team than they showed vs AF...they can talk AF up all they want, but they should've killed them. I believe UT was looking ahead to UF.

I believe this game will be a classic case of who wins in the trenches. UF has arguably the best front 7 DL in the SEC. I am concerned, however, that UF has 2 sacks in 2 games...now, I believe this has a lot to do with the fact that UF played against very mobile QBs in the first 2 games, and Marcus Thomas, the guy responsible for UF's 2 sacks, didn't play vs USM...still have to consider this. UT has one returning starter on the OL...granted Sears is one of the best in CFB. UF has 4 new starters on the OL as well...however, UT counters with an inexperienced DL....big edge UF.

LB depth is an issue for UF...we've already lost 2 potential starters to pre-season injury in Demps and Jones. There's not a better combination in CFB in Siler and Everett...but the back-ups are inexperienced....UT also has issues at LB...3 new starters...edge UF.

UT has two very good, big WR in Meachem and Swain...it'll be tough on the Gator DBs...although, Nelson, Lewis, Smith and Jackson have played well...this will be their first true test...Nelson is a star...the rest have to prove their salt....edge...UT.

The loss of Inky will hurt UT...although, Stewart, Wade and Hefney are good DBs...they'll have their hands full with Baker, Caldwell, Cornelius, Harvin, Ingram, Fayson, and Casey...as far as numbers, talent and speed...this is arguably the best WR group ever assembled at UF...talent level gives the edge to UF...but with the physical WR at UT...I'll say...edge...even.

RBs...Foster is a great RB...I said that the first time I saw him run the ball vs UF last season...reminds me a lot of former Gator RB Ciatric Fason. Wynn, Manson, Moore...all have done well in the past...all are experienced...Wynn has looked like a different RB thus far, although he's been slowed by a neck stinger....Moore has been looking good as well...I have to give the edge to UT even though I think they'll have trouble vs the UF run defense.

As far as the QBs...Ainge seems to have gotten his confidence back....I've always like him as a QB...great arm and wise decisions...is he better than Leak? Not quite...Leak looks comfortable in the offense, his passes are on target...he's reading defenses and looking off receivers...he's playing his best football in nearly 4 years...edge UF.

Special teams...Wilhoit and Colquitt are as good as any kicking tandem in the country. The Gators counter with Wilbur and Hetland...both have proven to be very good...not Colquitt and Wilhoit good...but adequate....edge UT.

Both teams seem to have something to prove. UT has to prove that last year was a fluke and their back...UF has to prove they can win a big SEC game on the road. UT will either be "down" about the loss of the team members or UP for the challenge of redemption...I think the latter. UF will be ready to prove they're for real...ready to challenge for the SEC crown and a BCS birth.

UF should be able to stop the run...Foster is a great RB, but the OL will not be able to make very many holes in the experienced Gator D....pressure Ainge, disrupting the passing game...and UF wins. If UT comes out inspired and UF makes some early mistakes...like all 3 road losses last season...then UT can grab the early lead and play "keep-way".....I like UF's chances better than UT's...although, I expect a close game.

[Born-n-RaisedVol]

I completely agree with your assessment gator. Even the fact that if UF shows up and plays to their ability that they probably have an edge over UT. UF's D-line is much more experienced than UT's O-line and any other D-line UT has faced. Therefore you can expect more pressure than Ainge has seen thus far. However, with the way Cut has been calling the plays this year Ainge has been in a lot of three step drops and has been moving the pocket around much more which has relieved a lot of pressure and is the biggest reason that Ainge has not been sacked yet. If I remember correctly it was Cal's highly praised DE Brandon Mebane that was quoted saying that no matter how good the d-line is if the opposing offense is playing a lot of 3-step drops and quick-outs that there is not a whole lot of chances to get at the QB. You can expect a lot of similar play calling this saturday and throughout the year.

Given this, I still believe that this game, whether the score is in the 30's or single digits, will come down to the kicking game. Colquitt has proven to be able to pin teams down within the 20 and Wilhoit is capable of big time field goals. Therefore I have to give the game to UT with a score of 27-24.

[GatorNation]

UF MUST stop the run and get pressure on Ainge with our base package. If we have to go 4-3 under, 4-4, or 4-6, it'll be a long, long game with Cutcliffe getting to pass when he feels like it.

I like our chances with a banged up Foster, though. And our DBs will probably be better than any UT has faced thus far. The fact that Joiner is playing lights out gives me a lot of encouragement.

[AugGAtor]

This one may be over by the half. The real Eric Ainge will rear his ugly head. If UT gets behind early & the crowd loses their enthusiam, stick a fork in them. UT will be DONE.

UF - 42
UT - 10

[shanksta13]

This one may be over by the half. The real Eric Ainge will rear his ugly head. If UT gets behind early & the crowd loses their enthusiam, stick a fork in them. UT will be DONE.

UF - 42
UT - 10

Well that's a leap of faith if I ever saw one... :laugh:


I hope our Gators aren't overconfident, but are ready to play some football!

[Born-n-RaisedVol]

I'm just gonna throw this information out there for you to think about Aug. Tennessee has only given up 40+ points in Neyland once, read that ONE time since 1989.

[shanksta13]

I'm just gonna throw this information out there for you to think about Aug. Tennessee has only given up 40+ points in Neyland once, read that ONE time since 1989.

I seriously doubt that we will go into Neyland and put up more than 40 points. It just doesn't happen. It's like ESPN hating Notre Dame. It would take Charlie Weiss showing up at the studio with an AK and Brady Quinn telling Corso, Holtz and company that they can all shove it up their a**. On top of that a little leprechaun would pop up on Holtz's shoulder and tell him that he never did anything for Notre Dame football except spit on the sideline. Yeah, point is the Gators won't score 40 points. I hope I'm wrong but I highly doubt it. I do think that this will be a higher scoring game than normal, though. I wouldn't be surprised to see the winner *cough* Gators *cough* finish somewhere in the upper 20, lower 30 point range.

[GatorNation]

I'm just gonna throw this information out there for you to think about Aug. Tennessee has only given up 40+ points in Neyland once, read that ONE time since 1989.
I seriously doubt that we will go into Neyland and put up more than 40 points. It just doesn't happen.
'95 Georgia.

That's all I'll say.

:D

[Born-n-RaisedVol]

Well according to my sources the score of the 95 georgia game was 30-27 UT :laugh:

[thethrill]

With the news that Justin Harrell will come back and play 1 more game before having season ending surgery, there should be no doubts whether UT will come out ready to do a little hitting Sat. night. Neyland Stadium is going to be rocking when he takes the field. It also doesn't hurt that the UF Safety gave us a little bulletin board material for inspiration, as if anymore was needed.

The injuries we suffered were devastating, but UT has capable replacemants. J. Hefney will move back to his original CB position, and D. Morley will move into the Safety spot. He is an amazing athlete who brings the wood, and is very fast.

I feel the keys to the game are who can be the most effective pressuring the opposing QB's,(disrupting the offense and causing turnovers), and who's most effective in the red zone(scoring TD's instead of FG's).

There should be a little more scoring in this game than last year. There is an unbelievable difference in the play from the Ainge and WR's this year compared to last year(Thank God and Cutcliffe). I've been hearing UF's offense is much improved this year too. We will all find out Sat. Should be a very entertaining game.

[Born-n-RaisedVol]

I think thats absolutely amazing that he's willing to come back for one final encore! Even if he can't go too many snaps his presence will be felt on the sidelines and in the huddle. Lets hope he can provide the leadership our defense is going to need saturday night to overcome the gators!

[thethrill]

Great news that Inky Johnson seems to be doing alot better. He came to practice today to let the team know he's doing OK. Sounds like this team is extremely motivated.

Harrell = The Man

GBO

[GatorNation]

I think thats absolutely amazing that he's willing to come back for one final encore! Even if he can't go too many snaps his presence will be felt on the sidelines and in the huddle. Lets hope he can provide the leadership our defense is going to need saturday night to overcome the gators!

No way he makes it beyond 5-10 plays with a torn bicep.

I think it's stupid that the coaches are willing to risk permanent damage for a SEC game....

[GatorHunter]

No way he makes it beyond 5-10 plays with a torn bicep.

I think it's stupid that the coaches are willing to risk permanent damage for a SEC game....

I would rather play UT with their full compliment of players...not that I think UT will use this to make excuses if UF wins, or it gives UF a better "chance" if they don't play....but, for me at least, this game will serve as an indicator of how good my Gators are...I want them to play and beat the best UT has to offer.

BTW, I do agree with GN...the coaches are saying that there's no chance to further damage the bicep...but this muscle is responsible for arm flexion...how will Harrell be able to affectively play without using it? If it's damaged...further stress will not "help"....just my medical opinion.

[Foxman]

I would rather play UT with their full compliment of players...not that I think UT will use this to make excuses if UF wins, or it gives UF a better "chance" if they don't play....but, for me at least, this game will serve as an indicator of how good my Gators are...I want them to play and beat the best UT has to offer.

BTW, I do agree with GN...the coaches are saying that there's no chance to further damage the bicep...but this muscle is responsible for arm flexion...how will Harrell be able to affectively play without using it? If it's damaged...further stress will not "help"....just my medical opinion.

Just like what Born-n-raised said, I think this is going to be a huge boost in the huddle. And I also think, athough he may not get many snaps, he'll still be playing all-out. Its going to be his last game in a Tennessee uniform, and hes playing Florida. About the Medical surgury, I dunno if its a good decision or not. But whatever it is, his surgury is what was going to keep him out for the season, so i guess as long as he doesn't have it yet, he should be able to play.

Anyway. He'll have a warm welcoming into neyland. Hope he has a great last game.

Oh, and i havn't read it yet but heres the article on it: http://utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091306aan.html

[blockallhaters]

I pray this kid is doing the right thing. God be with him and all the players on both sides. Go GATORS

[GeauxTo]

Chris Leak looked very settled and in control against UCF. Ainge looked okay, too, but the rest of the Vols let Air Force look good. And I don't think Air Force is much better than UCF. Therefore, I think the Gators win a slobberknocker, probably about 17-14.

[Wizard of Orange]

Chris Leak looked very settled and in control against UCF. Ainge looked okay, too, but the rest of the Vols let Air Force look good. And I don't think Air Force is much better than UCF. Therefore, I think the Gators win a slobberknocker, probably about 17-14.

Geaux, you, obviously, didn't see any of the TN-AF game. Ainge did not look "okay". - He looked GREAT! That doesn't mean that he won't be a total bust SAT, but he was WAAAAYYY better than okay against AF.

25 of 29 with 2 drops and one throw-it-away out-of-bounds.

[AugGAtor]

Hear me now or believe me later...
This one won't even be close. I haven't bet money on a game since 1999. I already have some $$$ on this one (taking the Vegas line). But we will win easily and Vol fans will be headed home shortly before the end of the 3rd quarter.

Hey Vols...look at the positives. The Philapotamus will be one step closer to unemployment office.

[Born-n-RaisedVol]

Just out of curiosity aug, but why do you think the gators are going to walk into Neyland and just tear our heads off? Whats your reasoning, or are you just looking through some orange and blue shades?

[LawDawg72]

All DAWG fans need to pull for Florida in this one.... it'll be more likely that Florida will lose later on in the season that Tennessee. Florida still has the 3 game gauntlet of Alabama, LSU, and then Auburn in straight weeks, whereas Tenn gets UGA, then LSU is there toughest comp. So, a FL win would give UGA a little leeway for a loss later on to FL as long as UGA TCOB's.

[GatorNation]

All DAWG fans need to pull for Florida in this one.... it'll be more likely that Florida will lose later on in the season that Tennessee. Florida still has the 3 game gauntlet of Alabama, LSU, and then Auburn in straight weeks, whereas Tenn gets UGA, then LSU is there toughest comp. So, a FL win would give UGA a little leeway for a loss later on to FL as long as UGA TCOB's.
I just want the WLOCP to mean something this year.

It'd be great if we're both undefeated in Jacksonville.

[GamecockDieHard]

Florida wins.