Game plan: Tennessee vs. Florida

By: Chandler Smith

The All Vol Call in Show

September 18, 2019

This weekend, the Tennessee Volunteers make their first road trip of the season when they travel to The Swamp to face the 9th ranked Florida Gators.

It goes without saying that this is one of the games that is circled each and every season. Tennessee hates Florida, and Florida hates Tennessee.

The Opponent

Florida comes into this matchup after escaping Kentucky in a game they should have lost. Trailing for three quarters on the road and losing your starting quarterback is usually a recipe for disaster.

Despite all of this, the Gators scored 19 straight in the fourth to stay undefeated. Starting quarterback Felipe Franks was lost for the year with what has been called a dislocated ankle. Junior Kyle Trask came into the game and was a perfect manager under center as he led his team to the win. He will now have a full week of first team reps to get prepared.

What It Means

In the SEC, “It just means more”. But for Tennessee, this game could mean the season. After losing to Georgia State in the opener, the BYU game was a must win. After that loss, the season became one-game-at-a-time. Coming off a win against Chattanooga, there is hope if nothing else. A win against Florida would mean a lot down the road.

Not only would it be the Vols' first win in Gainesville since 2003, but it would also be their first victory over a Gator team ranked in the Top 10 since 2001. But for this season, a win would be a renewal of hope. Sure, this team isn’t going to the playoff, but what would it mean for the fanbase if THIS team (one

who started the season 0-2 for the first time since 1988) to knock off the Gators in The Swamp? It would mean everything.

How Tennessee Wins

Tennessee’s path to victory lies in playing disciplined football. If they limit turnovers and penalties, they are going to have a very good shot at winning. Florida has six turnovers in three games. They have also racked up 218 penalty yards in that span. If the Vols can carry over from last week, keep their ears pinned back, and let Florida shoot themselves in the foot, they can

change up the SEC East landscape while giving the fanbase a shot in the arm.