Tennessee vs. Florida Preview
Nick Weir, Co-Editor
This Saturday, Tennessee will be welcoming the Florida Gators into Neyland Stadium. Florida has won the past nine games against the Vols.
"It was always a big dream for me. I wouldn't really say I expected to do it though. Just always working and striving to get to this place. Finally here, so definitely excited to play this weekend and try to make some big plays,” said sophomore LB Jaylen Reeves-Maybin on playing Florida at Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee is coming off a heartbreaking 35-32 loss against (13) Georgia. Senior QB Justin Worley led the Vols offense passing for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman RB Jalen Hurd also proved to be a vital weapon as he had 24 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Despite Tennessee’s high-octane offense, Georgia’s junior RB Todd Gurley was too much for the Tennessee defense, rushing for 208 on 28 carries with 2 touchdowns.
“I'm trying to do too much, trying to make too many plays. I just need to play inside the system,” said senior LB A.J. Johnson.
Florida’s offense will lean heavily on their junior QB Jeff Driskel. Driskel is back on the field this year after he broke his leg during the Tennessee vs. Florida game last year, resulting in season-ending surgery. Throughout the Gators first three games, Driskel has thrown for 636 yards while completing 65 of his 116 passes, three for touchdowns.
Driskel’s ability to make plays with his feet will also keep the Volunteers on their heels. Despite his 18 rushes for 83 yards this year, the threat of play action will cause Tennessee to play with discipline and be forced to respect his mobility.
“They do a great job of putting the ball in the hands of their playmakers. We fully expect the wildcat package, we fully expect them to run the quarterback. You have to prepare for everything,” said Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones.
Tennessee vs. Florida will kickoff this Saturday at 12:00 P.M. and will be aired on the SEC Network.
