NO. 19 FLORIDA (3-0, 1-0 SEC) AT NO. 14 TENNESSEE (3-0, 0-0)
3:30 p.m. * Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn. * CBS/106.5 FM
Tennessee's Jalen Hurd (1) tries from yardage up the middle. The Ohio University Bobcats visited the University of Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in a non-conference NCAA football game on Saturday September 17, 2016. THE MATCHUP
In the 28-27 loss in Gainesville last season Tennessee finished with more than 400 yards of offense and 254 rushing yards. The Gators finished eighth in total defense in 2015, but Vols offensive coordinator Mike DeBord believes Florida's defense is better this year.
Tennessee's shaky offensive line must play with greater physicality and consistency than its shown in three games. The Vols also need quarterback Josh Dobbs to be a dangerous runner, though after he ran for 136 yards against them last season the Gators will be determined to contain him.
"Of course I will go into their game plan," Dobbs said. "I expect them to play a physical brand of football - what they've shown on film. I expect our offense to go out execute at a very high level throughout the game, to go out and compete for 60 minutes and put ourselves in good positions throughout the game."
Tennessee's Derek Barnett rushes off the edge during the Vols' 28-19 win against Ohio at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 17, 2016 (Photo By Ruth Dudley/Tennessee Athletics) ONE TO WATCH
Tennessee will be without injured cornerback Cameron Sutton and linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr., and though linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin will play he risks aggravating the shoulder injury he suffered against Ohio. Of the quartet of star defenders only Derek Barnett is neither out nor ailing.
The defensive end's impact against Ohio was greater than the box score said (he was credited with five tackles and two hurries) and Tennessee needs a similar effort today.
"He was getting back there every play, it felt like, but I'm not surprised by what he can do on the field," defensive tackle Kendal Vickers said. "He's a dog, and that's what we need out of him on Saturday."
Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop this week challenged his defensive line to crank up its disruptiveness against a Florida offense with a backup quarterback and shaky offensive line.
Tennessee head coach Butch Jones links arms with his team before they take the field. The Ohio University Bobcats visited the University of Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in a non-conference NCAA football game on Saturday September 17, 2016. IN THE END
After 11 years of losing and months of disrespectful trash talk from its SEC East rivals, this must be an empty-the-bucket game for Tennessee's coaches and players.
Despite the significant absences on defense, the Vols are at home facing an untested team playing its No. 2 quarterback with Austin Appleby taking over for the injured Luke Del Rio. Can Tennessee's offense, however, generate enough success against Florida's stingy defense?
On paper this appears to be a low-scoring, grind-it-out game where every big play, turnover and coaching decision will be magnified.
The pick in this space in 2012 and 2014 was Tennessee, but after the Vols threw away potential wins in both of the games, the principle was set: Tennessee isn't getting picked to beat Florida until it actually happens.
PREDICTION: FLORIDA 19, TENNESSEE 17