The Tennessee Vols will play their first SEC game of the season on Saturday when they take on the Florida Gators in Gainesville.

Florida, a 14 point favorite, is expected to cruise to an easy win against the Vols — even with starting quarterback Feleipe Franks sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a gruesome ankle injury in the Gators' win against Kentucky last weekend.

No one is expecting Tennessee to pull of the upset, except, of course, the players in UT's locker room.

Redshirt senior wide receiver Jauan Jennings told reporters on Tuesday that the whole team is "fired up" for the matchup against the Gators, adding "this whole team's ready".

For the upset to happen, though, there's a specific player I think will be key for the Vols — linebacker Daniel Bituli.

Sure, it'll take a complete team effort (and a gutsy performance from quarterback Jarrett Guarantano) to beat Florida. But I think it's Bituli who will make the biggest difference.

When Bituli isn't on the field, the defense just isn't the same. And this was noted recently by Chattanooga offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo.

Chattanooga gave The Athletic's David Ubben an all access pass for the Mocs' game preparation against Tennessee last weekend. Pizzo pointed out to Ubben that when Bituli isn't in the game, the Vols' defense is a confused mess. The Chattanooga offensive coordinator referenced a specific play in UT's loss to BYU where linebackers Henry To'o To'o and Will Ignont were confused by their assignment and left a wide receiver who went in motion completely uncovered.

Pizzo then noted a similar play that happened against Vanderbilt last year with Bituli on the field. Bituli made the correct adjustments and everyone was covered.

Bituli is undoubtedly the leader of the defense. And he knows it. He told reporters on Tuesday that he'll be able to make all the adjustments on defense against Florida, noting that he takes pride in being able to set up the defensive front.

Even with Bituli playing, and Franks out due to injury, the Vols will still have their hands full with Florida's offense. Kyle Trask showed last week in the Gators' comeback win against Kentucky that he's more than capable of winning games in the SEC. And Emory Jones, Florida's other backup quarterback, is also capable of breaking hearts in East Tennessee (as so many UF backup quarterbacks have).

The Vols can play a complete, nearly flawless game on Saturday and still lose. In order to leave the Swamp with a win, Tennessee's defense will need to force Florida into some mistakes.

And that's why Daniel Bituli will likely be the most important player on the field for the Volunteers this weekend.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports/Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports