Key Matchups That Will Decide Tennessee vs. Florida
SEC football has returned to The Swamp as Florida hosts No. 11 Tennessee.
The Gators will have a chance to start 1-0 in SEC play for the first time since 2020 and extend its home win streak against the Volunteers to 10 games while giving head coach Billy Napier his first major rivalry win.
Here are three key matchups between Florida and Tennessee that could decide the victor on Saturday night. Kickoff from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is at 7 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.
Joe Milton III vs. Florida's pass defense
Joe Milton III's performance so far this year hasn't been as good as many thought. However, he's done one thing well: He has not thrown an interception this season.
Meanwhile, Florida's passing defense has been a strength in year one under Austin Armstrong. The Gators currently boast the least amount of passing yards allowed in the conference with 115.5 points per game and rank as the nation's No. 3 total defense.
However, despite the newfound success, they have yet to intercept a pass this year, and it took two games for Florida to record a sack.
As obvious as it sounds, Florida will need to take advantage of any mistake Milton makes, and maybe intercept a pass or two, to pull out the upset. If Tennessee can turn a corner offensively while continuing to take care of the ball, the Volunteers' may find themselves the winner of this matchup two years in a row.
Florida's offensive line vs. Tennessee's defensive front
Last weekend's performance against McNeese State is a huge confidence booster for the Gators offensive line after an abysmal performance against Utah. And now, they'll have another test against a strong Volunteer defensive front.
Tennessee leads the SEC with 11 total sacks through the first two weeks of the season. Meanwhile, Florida has given up five sacks (fourth-most in the league), all of which came against Utah.
A big reason Florida lost to Utah was sack issues and an inability to establish the run. On the other side of the coin, Florida's lopsided defeat of McNeese State came by keeping the quarterback's jersey clean and establishing the rushing game with Montrell Johnson Jr., Trevor Etienne and Treyaun Webb.
If Tennessee can continue to put pressure on opponents behind efforts from guys like Tyler Baron (three sacks) and Aaron Beasley (two sacks), it may be a long night for the Gators. But, if Florida can establish the run early, which could be aided by starting center Kingsley Eguakun's return to the lineup, and keep Graham Mertz upright, the Gators will put themselves in contention to pull off the upset late in the contest.
Coaching (and special teams)
Looking back at last season, Florida was on the cusp of defeating Tennessee had it not been for special teams issues and a couple of coaching decisions throughout the game.
The Gators had missed a field goal, failed to convert a fourth down well within field goal range and went 0-for-2 on two-point conversion attempts. If Florida kicks two field goals, they win. If they kick one and convert a two-point try, it's a tie game. Despite the glaring missteps, Florida still managed to have one Hail Mary attempt to end the game.
Now, in 2023, coaching decisions and special teams mistakes played a crucial role in Florida's loss to Utah. They cannot afford to have those mistakes cost them again. The Gators cannot beat the Gators, as cliché as that sounds.
Florida played a near-perfect game against McNeese State, but this is Tennessee. This is a major rivalry. The Gators cannot afford to be out-coached or fall victim to any special teams gaffs against the No. 11 team in the country.
Can they produce another clean, effective performance against heightened competition to illicit success?
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