Campus Clash
(23) Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) at (24) Florida Gators
Tennessee: Don’t sleep on Butch Davis and the Tennessee Volunteers. They’re 2-0 and they are coming off a dominating win over Indiana State in week two. Last year, there was a lot of hype surrounding them and it didn’t really pan out like many expected it too. I’ve been really impressed with quarterback Quinten Dormady and his play so far. He’s a 6’4 guy that can stand tall in the pocket, move away from the pressure and make those throws on the run when it’s necessary to scramble. He can make all the throws and hits his receivers in stride down the field. Running back John Kelly has also done his part early on. Their entire offense however has been known to get off to slow starts. In the opener against Georgia Tech, they scored only seven points in the first half and went three and out against Indiana State. In their last game, they didn’t allow a single third down and held Indiana State to 215 yards of total offense and seven points. They’ll begin SEC play on Saturday against a Florida Gators team with so many questions surrounding them. This will also be the Gators home opener with their original opener canceled due to Hurricane Irma.
Florida: After their game against Michigan, I came to the fact that this team needs to really improve, especially on the offensive side of the football because right now, they do not scare anyone. Feliepe Franks got the start on September 2nd and struggled early on and ended up putting Malik Zaire in. He was able to push the ball down the field, but the offensive line didn’t allow him to buy anytime to make a play in the pocket. I’d still continue to play Zaire because the Gators need that jolt of energy somehow and I feel he can bring just that. Or, you can put Luke Del Rio in. He’s just sitting on the bench right now and he could be the guy to help jump-start their offense. Their defense is still a nice unit and very opportunistic. The Gators still have the ability on defense to make some game changing plays despite losing some guys from the secondary to the NFL. What caught my eye in the opener against Michigan were the two interceptions of Wilton Speight and returning not one, but two picks into six points. The #24 Florida Gators will have had an extra week to prepare after having their week 2 match-up with Northern Colorado canceled due to Hurricane Irma and they’ll begin conference play on Saturday with the Tennessee Volunteers in town for a visit.
Tennessee Player To Watch: Marquez Callaway– He showed against Indiana State he’s sure handed and reliable and this Saturday, he’ll be facing a tough Gators secondary and will need to make some catches to keep the Volunteers offense flowing.
Florida Player To Watch: Malik Zaire– He wasn’t bad in the Michigan game but he wasn’t great either. It’s possible he can get it going. The offensive line just needs to give him some time, the coaching needs to put together a nice game plan to revolve around his game.
Final Analysis: SEC play finally begins! It’ll be an emotional scene with Florida finally having their home opener especially with the big storm that took place. Hopefully, this is a break from everything that many had to endure down there. It’s time for the Gators offense to step it up! You won’t be taken seriously if you don’t. The Vols offense needs to improve as well and get off to a fast start to keep the Florida defense on its heels. The Vols haven’t won at the swamp in 14 years.
Prediction: Tennessee 21 Florida 13
