Florida at Tennessee – Preview and Prediction
TENNESSEE 6.5 FLORIDA (43.5)
Implied Projected Score: Tennessee 25 Florida 18.5
MEGALOCKS LINE – Tennessee 5.5
The Game
The Florida Gators look to make it twelve straight victories over the Volunteers on Saturday afternoon when they meet in Knoxville. Florida is off to a 3-0 start but have not faced any serious competition yet this season. The Volunteers are also undefeated thanks to close home victories over Appalachian St and Ohio as well as a win over a very good Virginia Tech squad. Is this the year that the Vols get the proverbial monkey off their back ?
The Match-Up
Tennessee offense vs Florida defense
This should be interesting. Dobbs, Hurd and Kamara. Last year the Volunteers had a lot more success than we thought they would running the football as they pounded out 254 yards rushing on over 50 carries. The Gators’ defense has only given up 14 points in three games so far but this will be their biggest test. No need for Tennessee to get cute. They just need to line up and run the ball and stay in manageable 3rd down situations. Let Dobbs do what he does and keep the chains moving. We do not see the Vols having any success in the passing game other than maybe a deep shot that connects or draws pass interference. Florida is #1 in the FBS in yards/carry defense (1.31 !) and #1 in yards per play allowed (2.59 !) and even when accounting for the competition they have faced there is no doubt that the Vols will need to work hard for everything they get on Saturday.
Florida offense vs Tennessee defense
By now most of us we have heard that CB Cameron Sutton is out and LB Darrin Kirkland is doubtful. Thankfully for the Vols, Florida’s top target Antonio Callaway is also listed as doubtful for this matchup. It appears that the Gators are going to use their running attack to pound away and try and get this game into the 4th quarter within one score and take it from there. Florida has three RB with over 100 yards (Scarlett, Thompson, Perine) and Tennessee better be ready for a long day of wrapping up. New QB Austin Appleby is also more of a running threat than injured Luke Del Rio so we think that the Gators can really impose their will if they do not screw up too badly before the 4th quarter rolls around.
MEGA Minutia
It is still hard to believe that Florida has won 11 straight games in this series we may have to go to the MEGLALOCKS archives and verify that stat…..The road team is 6-1-1 ATS last 8 in the series and the Gators have only failed to cover once in their last 10 road games.
Summary
This feels like old school and we cannot wait to watch this one. I know, it does not appear too sexy on paper, but we love these chess match games where every possession matters. We like getting the points here and also like the under (who doesn’t ?).
Conclusion
Official play: UNDER 43 -110