One of the biggest games this Saturday if not THE biggest. Should be an offensive show on both sides of the ball with the "over" in serious jeopardy. My quick analysis says UF's offense is at home and that makes a difference in a high scoring game with UF outpointing Tenn by a score of 38 - 28 or thereabouts. Maybe even 38 - 31 and that doesn't cover a surprisingly high 8 point spread.
Tenn having played the tougher schedule by far, will be ready for the big game and the hostile atmosphere. Their offense being guided by a veteran QB will be the difference. I'd say Tenn wins 34-18, the Gators don't have a WR to equal the Cal kid and I don't think they'll have the running game like Cal did either.
"the Gators don't have a WR to equal the Cal kid" You haven't noticed Percy Harvin obviously and I know you have never seen Riley Cooper go deep. Tim Tebow can still run too.....and throw.... http://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/tebow_named_sec_offensive_player_of_week/2219 This Florida offense will absolutely score 30 points on Sat. Tenn may score 31 but that's a different tune..... :wink:
CNNSI: "Tennessee's wideouts got a confidence boost against Southern Miss and may have a big day against the Gators secondary. But I don't see the Volunteers being able to put much pressure on QB Tim Tebow, who should feast on the Tennessee defense. Florida 28, Tennessee 21" Not bad...pretty close to my own assessment.....
Terry, I have to agree with MCG. Percy Harvin is pretty much the equal of anyone. He doesn't return punts because we have another kid who is a specialist doing that job. I don't see the Vols beating us in Gainesville by any 2 td margin. Gators 37 - 28.
You're probably right Bill, but still this years Gator offense hasn't played a good team yet, Tenn has and the Tenn Defense has seen a WR corp that many think is the best in the Nation. I just think Tenn is better prepared for this game than the Gators. But that's why you have to play them on the field! Terry
Bill and MCG, We are on our return leg of our vacation. We are staying in one of the executive sites of the Shreveport/Bossier City KOA. Executive sites have a private hot tub, grill and 802.11g/n access. BBQ is on the plate, the hot tub is ready, and the computer is being turned off shortly! :shock: I don't see this game being decided by more than a TD. This is the first year that I have actually felt good about our chances. No, I am not going to guarantee a win. I would encourage anyone so inclined to take the points and go with Tennessee. :wink:
Terry, this is pretty much the pattern of Florida and Tennessee every year with their scheduling leading up to our game with each other. It's just the way that things play out with how we both have to schedule. The Gators start with two easy games but end with the last five games that include FSU, S. Carolina and Georgia. But even though we start with the two easy games, and I would submit that Troy is not a total pushover, the Gators have a winning record against Tennessee since the two have been such rivals for the SEC East. In my opinion it's a non factor. But I know that you and some others here don't agree with me. Tom, I happen to agree with your assessment and don't think my prediction is all that much different. What I see is a shoot out with both teams scoring a lot. I'm glad I'm going to be at the game.
"I just think Tenn is better prepared for this game than the Gators." Hmmm....and who do you really think the master preparer Urban Meyer has been preparing for since last January? 8) :twisted: One more thing....I doubt Phil held all that much back for Cal and I seriously doubt we have seen the real Florida schemes on offense or defense so far.
All I know is that I'm looking forward to the game. We'll know a lot more about the Gators after this game.
Could all of these guys be wrong? http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/expertpicks Then again...I think all of the same guys picked against Florida back in January.
They might. I thought the Vols played a good game againt Cal and are very capable of pulling off the upset.
The Vols did show up vs. Cal but their defense showed some holes that I think Urban has had two weeks to digest and plan to exploit. One consistent factor with Meyer is that he is capable of designing a gameplan to fit the opponent.....something Ron Zook was either great at or real poor at depending on the "any given Saturday" theory. I think Meyer has seen all he needs to see about this Tenn defense and so has Tebow. The scoreboard should light up many times on Saturday at the Swamp and I expect a high-scoring fun game to watch maybe not too unlike the 41-34 win by Florida back in 1993.
"Brandon James is full speed," Meyer said. This is potentially very good news for Florida...... In fact: Potential: After sitting out the opener under suspension, James busted loose for punt returns of 59 and 32 yards last Saturday against Troy. He returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown against UT last season, but the return was wiped out by a blocking in the back penalty. Obviously, he can go the distance.
I think your assessment is right on MCG, but I do think that Tennessee's defense and running game may have found their stride in the second half versus Southern Miss. Granted, it was Southern Miss but they're probably going to go to a bowl this year and they could beat the two teams the Gators have played thus far. I do see a shootout but I think you'll see a much more physical defense by UT than what you saw against Cal. Also, I expect Foster to have a solid game and Coker to bust some big runs. The Tenn. O-Line is playing extremely well. Look for Ainge to carve up that secondary if given the time to throw. On the other side, I think Tebow will give the Vols fits and I don't think Tennessee's defense can keep up with Percy Harvin. We'll see how Tennessee plays Harvin as I think that might be the most critical factor in the outcome of this game. I look for Berry to matchup with Harvin with help over the top from Hefney. We'll just have to see how Fulmer chooses to play it but that is how I'd play it. I know Berry's young but he can match Harvin step for step. Look for who can run the ball and control the clock in the fourth quarter to decide this game, as usual.
Yet another take: No. 22 Tennessee (1-1) at No. 5 Florida (2-0) We'll know a whole lot more about the state of the defending champions after this one, and this is what I think we'll find out: That Tim Tebow and the Florida offense can score in bunches, but that the rebuilt defense -- particularly the secondary -- is going to cause its share of headaches. Florida 40, Tennessee 27
Aquila, I pretty much agree with your analysis except for one thing. After watching Troy take apart Oklahoma State last night I don't think Southern Miss is any better than they are. Otherwise like you I am looking for a shootout today.
Nice cartoon except that it seems to depict a fat and lazy Gator. I don't think this team is fat and lazy. I agree Bill that Troy really showed me something last night. Their offense can score on anyone I'll bet and when UF went up 49-3 at the half on them the Fla defense probably took too many plays off in the 3rd quarter.