Tennessee at Florida – College Football Predictions
The Game
It’s big time SEC EAST action this Saturday as Florida and Tennessee hook-up in the SWAMP. This is going to be a really good measuring stick for both teams, and while the division is still pretty wide open, the Georgia Bulldogs looked pretty good last weekend. The loser of this game will be behind the proverbial eight-ball early on. Florida has only played one game and are 0-1 after the opening loss to the Fighting Harbaughs. Tennessee is 2-0 with a dramatic win over Georgia Tech and a scrimmage victory vs Indiana St. Let’s go !
The Details
FLORIDA -5 TENNESSEE (49)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Florida -4
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Florida 27 Tennessee 22
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Florida 30 Tennessee 26
The Match-Up
Florida offense vs Tennessee defense
Well the game against Michigan was a bit of a struggle. We expect to see two QBs once again this week and hopefully either Feleipe Franks or Malik Zaire will take control and get the offense moving. There are still a ton of suspensions on offense for the Gators to deal with BUT the good news is that they are playing Tennessee. They were disappointing defensively in 2016 and started out this year getting gashed for 655 yards by Georgia Tech (2 OT). The defense did play better last week but that was vs Indiana St. We have a feeling that the Gators will be able to grind out some drives and they have had some extra time to get ready for this one. And hey – there is always the defense willing to help out. They bagged 2 TDs vs Michigan.
Tennessee offense vs Florida defense
Welcome to the SWAMP Quinten Dormady. He has done a decent job at QB so far completing 60% of his passes with a 4-1 TD to INT ratio but this is going to be a really stern test. Even with injuries and suspensions the Gators’ defense promises to be a very difficult one to navigate. RB John Kelly has been very productive so far with 208 rushing yards and 10 receptions. The WR group is very banged up and will be in tough vs the Gators secondary. The Tennessee offense should be able to be balanced but probably need to hit a big play or two to win this game. We do not see long sustained drives happening vs the Florida defense.
MEGA-MAZING MORSELS
Last season the Vols won 38-28 at home…..The previous two seasons were BOTH one point Gator victories…..Something tells us to expect drama this week.
Summary
Handicapping is tough enough without trying to figure out the impact of 800 suspended Florida players. Thankfully the depth is there but is it enough to beat the Vols ? When in doubt we side with the defense.
Conclusion
No official play. Lean to the Gators for small potatoes at any number -4 or better. Also lean to the under at any number 48 or better for similarly sized mini-potatoes.