Florida-Tennessee Game Thoughts and Preview

key for Florida in this game. The UT offense has only really flowed in the second half of the UAB game so far this season, and that was because they took the ball out of Jonathan Crompton's hands and gave it to the running backs. Crompton has not shown an ability yet to lead a truly cohesive offense, so making him win the game is the best bet for the Gators.

I fully expect Florida to struggle at the outset of the game. None of the numerous freshmen or sophomores on the Gators have played there yet, and only Percy Harvin, Phil Trautwein, and Jim Tartt have been starters there. This is still a very young Gator team, and some early-game jitters could be coming.

The positive is that Florida's rush defense has been the best in the SEC two years running. The Florida offense is still run by Tim Tebow, a guy the Vols had no answer for a season ago, and Percy Harvin is the healthiest he's been in years. Tennessee has also looked lackluster for six of the eight quarters they've played so far, and the coaches are still searching for their optimal level on both sides of the ball.

Tennessee wants this one badly. They didn't like the "Tennessee quit" talk and they thought Tebow was in the game too long (never mind the fact he stayed in as long as Ainge did). Florida needs this one badly to prove itself worthy of being considered a conference and national contender.

A slow start followed by the Gators distancing themselves the rest of the day sounds about right. I think Florida takes this by a couple of scores, but it could easily be closer than that.

Game on. Let's do this. Beat Tennessee.

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