UT @ UF: What to Look For

Coach Fulmer hasn't beaten Coach Meyer...yet. 

It seems as if no coach has beaten the Gators recently, or at least that's what all of the experts have us believing.

The media has fallen in love with Tim Tebow and the rest of Meyer's Florida squad.  It's pretty easy to see how; they are, in fact, the defending National Champions.

Tennessee isn't being given much of a chance to go to Gainesville and pull out a victory.  I say, look for the upset.

I was at Neyland Stadium for last year's game, and it was a pretty good one.  The Vols had a tough time running the ball, amassing a total of -11 yards on the ground.  Despite the lack of a running game, Tennessee held a 17-7 lead at one point during the game.  Florida would mount a comeback, winning 21-20.

Last year's game has served as motivation for Tennessee, prompting Coach Fulmer and Offensive Coordinator, Coach David Cutcliffe, to resort to a no-huddle offense.  The new offense was installed during spring drills, and the Vols haven't huddled since. 

I'm really a big fan of how Coach Cutcliffe is using the new no-huddle system.  In both of thier previous two games this season, the Vols have started the game passing.  Senior, Erik Ainge has been very accurate - spreading the ball all over the field, incorporating recievers, tight ends, and the running backs.  

Once the Vols have established the passing game early and often, they then turn to their smash mouth running game.  This is a drastic difference from previous years' offensive theories.  Dare I say it is a "Spurrier-like" style of playing. 

If the Vols can do the same against the Gators, who have a relatively young secondary, they could have much more success pounding the ball with the run throughout the game; performing better than -11 yards. 

Remember, this Gator defense gave up 31 points to Troy last week.

Look for Arian Foster to start in the backfield for UT, with LaMarcus Coker, Montario Hardesty, and newcomer Lennon Creer to get carries as well.  Keeping the RB's legs fresh will be a key for the Vols. 

The other big question for Tennessee has been their struggles tackling, while on defense.  As long as the Vols improve as much as they did from week 1 to week 2, this shouldn't be too big of a problem.  Freshman Eric Berry should move from starting at safety the previous two weeks, to starting at corner against the Gators.  Jarod Parrish is expected to fill the open safety slot.  These changes are brought about after starting corner, Antonio Gaines was ruled out for the remainder of the season.  Gaines tore his ACL in the first half of the Southern Miss game.

Tim Tebow will impress viewers against UT, as usual.  The key for Tennessee will be to slow down Percy Harvin.  This could be slightly easier than normal, considering standout reciever Andre "Bubba" Caldwell won't be playing due to a sprain of his MCL he suffered against Troy.

Prediction:  Both teams will come out of the gates fired up.  I don't see this game being the shootout that it's being talked up to be.  Points will be scored; just not the 75-80+ that has been considered.  I see a 27-24 Tennessee win, with Daniel Lincoln kicking a late field goal to pull the upset. 

CBS will carry the game, beginning at 3:30 EST, from Gainesville, Florida.