KNOXVILLE - It appears increasingly probable the Tennessee Volunteers may catch Florida with the Gators missing two of their top offensive performers when the SEC East rivals meet Saturday in Gainesville.
On Wednesday, Florida coach Jim McElwain said there was no update on the nine Gators suspended due to allegations of credit card fraud. That group includes running back Jordan Scarlett and wide receiver Antonio Callaway.
When Tennessee beat Florida 38-28 last year in Knoxville, Scarlett was the Gators' starting running back and rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown, while Callaway caught four passes for 134 yards. Callaway may be better known in the rivalry for his game-winning touchdown reception in 2015 in Gainesville.
"In terms of game planning, we game plan like everyone is playing," Tennessee coach Butch Jones said Wednesday.
"And again, they're going to do what they do, and we're going to do what we do. It really comes down to the discipline of who can execute for a long period of time, the ability to focus on each and every snap, and the ability to play with great effort.""
Kickers battle
The Vols have yet to attempt a field goal this season, but the kicking battle between senior Aaron Medley and freshman Brent Cimaglia continues.
Medley has kicked all of the extra points through two games. However, when the Vols were driving late in the first half in their opener against Georgia Tech, Cimaglia warmed up for a potential field goal.
On Wednesday, Jones gave an update on the competition.
"We have tried to put our kickers in a lot of situations, a lot of stressful situations, a lot of end-of-the-game situations," Jones said. "And a lot of those kicks Aaron Medley had at the end of the Georgia Tech game, even though they were extra points, they were significant extra points.
"Could I see two kickers playing at some point? Absolutely. I think both of them have done a very good job."
On the depth chart for this week, Medley is listed as the starting kicker with Cimaglia as the backup.
Still the same
On Tuesday, the Southeastern Conference announced the game would continue as scheduled after speculation that Hurricane Irma would force changes logistical changes.
As for the Vols' travel plans, those will also stay the same.
"As of right now, there have been no adjustments ... we will proceed as planned," Jones said. "We don't anticipate any changes. It'll be a normal travel itinerary, a normal itinerary for the hotel as well."
Injury report
On Saturday, the Vols will be without linebacker Austin Smith, who has yet to play this season, reserve cornerback Baylen Buchanan and tight end Eli Wolf, who injured an ankle last week.
Jones said kick returner Evan Berry, injured against Georgia Tech, is questionable for the game. If he is not able to play, the Vols will rely on SEC freshman of the week Ty Chandler to return kicks.
Contact Rob Harvey at sports@timesfreepress.com.