Billy Napier is making sure that Florida's players understand the importance of the game against Tennessee
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier is making sure that his players understand the historical significance of playing the Tennessee Vols. Napier said on Monday during his weekly press conference that players and staff (specifically staff members that joined Florida after the 2022 season) have been educated on the history of the Vols/Gators rivalry. "It's […]
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier is making sure that his players understand the historical significance of playing the Tennessee Vols.
Napier said on Monday during his weekly press conference that players and staff (specifically staff members that joined Florida after the 2022 season) have been educated on the history of the Vols/Gators rivalry.
"It's a big week, it's Tennessee week," said Napier. "I think we've done a ton relative to educating our players about the rivalry."
"We did some work there relative to going back and really educating everyone on the history and the magnitude of the game" added Napier. "Do you understand that this was the game at one point in time in college football relative to the SEC, the eastern division, and certainly the national championship picture, right? And it happens early (in the season)….I think there's an element to it (Vols/Gators rivalry) that's a little different for sure."
It's early during Florida/Tennessee week, but it's already evident that both sides understand the importance of this matchup. Not just because of historical aspect, but also because of what it means to both programs for the 2023 season.
Florida is eager to make a statement under Napier. They want to show that they're going to take a step forward in Napier's second season. And beating Tennessee, especially after losing to the Vols last season, would certainly send a message that Florida is moving in the right direction under Napier.
For Tennessee, the Florida game is the first real obstacle in their quest for a SEC East division title. With Georgia looking like a good bet to run the table until their late November matchup with the Vols, Tennessee knows that a loss to Florida on Saturday in the Swamp will make winning an SEC East title significantly tougher, if not nearly impossible.
It's going to be rowdy in Gainesville on Saturday as two hungry teams meet for an early season SEC showdown. Only one of those teams, however, will leave the Swamp smiling.
Tennessee reportedly held a players only meeting after tougher-than-expected win against Austin Peay
The Tennessee Vols reportedly held a players only meeting after tougher-than-expected win against Austin Peay
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
