As a Tennessee Vols fan, there are few things that fill me with more existential dread than the Florida game. Especially when it’s in the Swamp.

For the past 25 years or so, Gators vs. Vols has typically spelled trouble for UT and with Tennessee in full rebuild mode yet again, this edition of the matchup makes me cringe even more than usual. But, as is the case every year with Vols football, hope springs eternal and I think there are some things that Tennessee could do to, at a minimum, give UF a tough game.

Here’s three of them…

Solid offensive line play

Florida’s defensive line has looked better than I thought it would. Their d-line gave Alabama legitimate fits last weekend and this could be a real problem for the Vols because in the last couple of weeks, starting center Cooper Mays went down with an injury, his brother Cade may have gotten injured while making a tackle against Tennessee Tech, and in general, the line lacks true depth.

These factors together make what the “experts” might call a “nightmare scenario.” But here’s the (possible) good news: Cooper and Cade were listed as starters on the depth chart provided this week, so hopefully they’ll be ready to go. Also, the line wasn’t exactly pushed all that hard against Tech and should be much fresher than Florida’s d-line who just had to take on Nick Saban’s 6-star monsters. If UT’s o-line can stand up and hold the Gators’ rushers relatively at bay, it would be massive in helping the Vols find offensive success in the Swamp.

More Defensive Toughness

Tennessee’s defense lost a whole set of important contributors during the offseason and somehow, they look considerably tougher this year than they did with Jeremy Pruitt. I’m not sure exactly what that says about supposed “defensive guru” Pruitt, but it’s not great for him. Nonetheless, the defense looking better than expected has been a fine surprise and they will obviously need to continue with their solid play on Saturday.

Gators quarterback Emory Jones will provide a real test and if Tim Banks and his crew can find a way to stifle UF, maybe Alex Golesh’s offense can keep things close and give UT a chance to win late in the game. With a notable lack of depth, a brick wall performance from the Vols’ defense will obviously be a lot to ask but if they can keep UF to more fields goals than touchdowns, that would be victory in itself.

An effective running game

It goes without saying that the Vols need a near-flawless performance from Hendon Hooker (or whoever plays quarterback) to compete but what could seriously help the quarterback find success is a complementary running game. If Tennessee’s offensive line can’t hold up and the running game can’t gain any ground, it’s hard for me to imagine that the Vols’ quarterback will suddenly be able to make a bunch of incredibly difficult throws and carry the offense.

But, if the running game can keep Florida’s defense on its heels and allow the Vols’ receivers to get more space, making effective throws will be much easier for Hooker or Milton. It has to be said here that primary running back Jabari Small has been injured and his return is key. Heupel hasn’t given an inch on providing an update on the team’s injury status but if Small, Tiyon Evans, and Jalen Wright can provide a balanced, solid attack on the ground, maybe this game could go differently than many of us think it will.

Featured images via Brianna Paciorka and Calvin Mattheis – News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services