The Vols are looking to get back into the win column this weekend after suffering their first loss of the ‘24-’25 season last week. This week’s game is against the arch-rival Florida Gators.
It is easy to look at how the Vols and Gators have played this season and think this game will be a blowout for Tennessee, but that couldn’t be further from the case. Florida has had Tennessee’s number for the better part of the 21st century, as the Vols have only won 5 of the 24 games they have played since 2000.
No matter how good or bad the Gators are, they typically play Tennessee as if they are the #1 team in the country. If the Vols want to win against Florida this year, several things will have to be different than what we saw take place against Arkansas.
Tennessee Vols: #8 Vols Look To Rebound vs Gators
Offensive Line
The offensive line was utterly abysmal against Arkansas. They were dominated by one of the worst defensive fronts in the SEC from the moment the game started. Sure, that is in large part due to the 3-3-5 Odd defense that has proven to be successful against the Vols, but there is no excuse for how the group played.
Nico Iamaleava was sacked four times by Arkansas. Florida, while nothing to write home about, boasts a better pass rush than Arkansas. Florida has 13 sacks on the year, and 30 TFLs on the season, and are likely licking their chops for more after watching the game film from last week.
The Vols’ offensive line will have to play together this week, something they didn’t do last week. We know they can perform at a high level, they just have to put it together and make it happen.
#Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson had this to say after last night’s loss to Arkansas… 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LdgMffCrMQ
— Tennessee Volunteers (@Volology) October 7, 2024
Secondary
A few weeks ago, the secondary would not have been highlighted as a potential issue for this game. However, since his concussion, Graham Mertz has been dealing. In his last two games combined, Mertz has only thrown six incomplete passes.
The Vols’ secondary had its worst game of the season thus far against Arkansas, giving up 297 passing yards. The good news is, the group knows this and wants to improve. Vols safety Jakobe Thomas had this to say following the team’s loss to Arkansas.
“We don’t like losing. I saw that today. We all have a sour taste in our mouth and that’s how we’ve started to attack this week.”
Tennessee safety Jakobe Thomas says that he’s learned the team “does not like losing” after witnessing the past few days of practice.
Hopefully the Vols come out hungry on Saturday against Florida… 👀 pic.twitter.com/PwpPdp6q8o
— Tennessee Volunteers (@Volology) October 9, 2024
Shutting down the passing game is the biggest step the Vols need to take to dominate this game. Florida does not have the best run game, so shutting down the pass early is vital to a Vols win.
Coaching
Whether it wants to be admitted or not, coaching played a major factor in the loss to Arkansas, and it will have to be much better to beat Florida.
There is a good chance the Gators will come out in a 3-3-5 defense. It has been wildly successful against Josh Heupel’s offense. The counter to this is 12 personnel, something the Vols utilized heavily against N.C. State. For some reason though, Heupel barely used it against Arkansas and seemingly refused to delve away from the pre-established game plan.
Josh Heupel and Co. will need to be comfortable moving away from their established game plan in this matchup if different defensive looks change if they expect to win this game.
Nico Iamaleava
Nico had, by far, his worst game of his short collegiate career against Arkansas. He missed several open throws, including a few deep balls to wide-open guys. He also ended the game by running out of bounds, instead of chucking the ball into the endzone and letting a guy try and make a play.
Florida ranks 82nd of all 133 FBS teams in pass defense, meaning they are pretty bad. Nico hasn’t had a dominant passing performance since Kent State. There is a real opportunity for Nico to have a break-out game against this Gators pass defense.
If Nico can improve on his mistakes from last week, he could be primed for a huge day against this disadvantaged defense.
The output on the field Saturday night has got to be better than what it was last week against Arkansas. The Vols will need all systems firing in order to beat this Gators squad.
Their schedule doesn’t get easier from here, and a loss this weekend could potentially end their SEC Championship and playoff hopes already.
For some people, this is the only game that matters on the Vols schedule every year. Josh Heupel knows the importance of this game, and how much it means to the fans. Expect him to have his guys ready to roll the Gators.
PREDICTION
Vols: 38
Gators: 17
The Vols are back in action this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. in Neyland Stadium. They will take on the Florida Gators.
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