The Road To Playoff Contention Starts In Gainesville For Tennessee
Last year felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air after years of what can only be described as a disappointment. In an 11-2 season, Tennessee beat Florida for just the 5th time since the turn of the century. Beating them in an even year is one thing, but in odd years The Swamp will threaten CFP hopes even when the field expands. This year, if the Vols want to be a playoff contender, it starts with winning in Gainesville for the first time since 2003.
You never want to assume things in a crazy sport like college football, but if Tennessee loses to Virginia or Austin Peay in the first two weeks, you can throw all the prediction articles out the window. The Vols will be untested coming into the week three rivalry matchup, and that could be even more of a reason to worry. Joe Milton won't have seen a road atmosphere like Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, at least as a starter, and Florida's defense is one to be taken seriously.
As concerning as that sounds, this is the worst Florida team that Tennessee has played in The Swamp in quite some time. That includes the 2021 team, who was a better team when they played Tennessee than in the second half of that season. Florida replaced a top-five NFL Draft pick at quarterback with a guy who has yet to complete 60% of his passes in a full season. They lost some big-time production in the front seven. If Tennessee can contain the Gators rushing attack, they'll have a great chance to win and prove that they are a serious playoff contender.
Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright after scoring a touchdown against the Florida Gators in Knoxville, Tennessee, on November 1, 2022. (Photo by Caitie McMekin of USA Today Network)
However, that is easier said than done. While it feels like the Volunteer program has done a 180 in the past year, there's a reason why they haven't won at Florida in forever. In fact, every other SEC East team has won in Gainesville in the last decade, with Vanderbilt in 2013 being the second-longest streak. Something about the rivalry being at home gets the Gators going, and no matter what talent Florida has at what position, the Vols will have to bring it to break the curse.
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