ESPN's Paul Finebaum makes a short but strong prediction about one of the Tennessee Vols' biggest games
The Tennessee Volunteers have never had an easy time with the Florida Gators. It's felt like no matter who the Vols put on the field or the Gators, the latter has the psychological edge. The results on the field have pretty much backed that up over the last 30 years, as every UT fan unfortunately […]
The Tennessee Volunteers have never had an easy time with the Florida Gators. It's felt like no matter who the Vols put on the field or the Gators, the latter has the psychological edge.
The results on the field have pretty much backed that up over the last 30 years, as every UT fan unfortunately knows. Tennessee has won at Florida just twice since the early 1970s. The Vols have lost 17 of their last 19 in the series since winning three of four from 2001-04.
However, after one week of the 2024 season, that looks like it could be a different story. Tennessee's offense on Saturday during their 69-3 win over Chattanooga looked much more like the 2022 version than the 2023 one, which is a very good thing. Nico Iamaleava set a school record with 314 passing yards in a 45-point first half, showing remarkable touch and decision making, albeit against an FCS school.
Conversely, the Gators more closely resembled a team from the old I-AA category on Saturday in a lifeless 41-17 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in what was a loud and raucous Swamp. Florida couldn't run the ball to save their lives outside of one big play, Graham Mertz was under pressure most of the game (thanks in part to former Vol Tyler Baron), their secondary was ripped to shreds, and their pass rush was almost non-existent.
Accordingly, ESPN's Paul Finebaum, during his Sunday morning recap with fellow mothership co-worker Matt Barrie, made a rather dismissive statement regarding the Gators' chances when they go to Knoxville.
"I think [Texas] A&M becomes the de facto season for (Florida head coach Billy Napier) because if you start off losing two games you were supposed to win, and 6-6 or 7-5 was predicated on maybe losing only one game in the first half to Tennessee on the road, which they will, then it becomes desperate very quickly."
It's been hard to count out Florida over the years against Tennessee regardless of the circumstances. The Gators have simply had the Vols' number year after year.
However, things do feel different in 2024. At some point, the talent and coaching on the field overcomes bugaboos and perceived historical advantages. Right now, it sure seems like Tennessee holds a noticeable advantage on the field and on the sideline with about 6 weeks to go until the schools meet. Add in what will be a mad house inside Neyland Stadium, and it's not hard to understand why Finebaum is dismissive of the Gators' chances.
Until then, we'll see if the Vols can do their part to look like a playoff contender starting on Saturday against NC State- and if Florida can regroup into a team that can hold a puncher's chance to continue its dominance in the rivalry next month.
Tennessee’s marching band had the perfect tribute to the 2024 baseball national champion Vols during UT’s win over Chattanooga
Tennessee had a very creative hat tip to its baseball team on Saturday afternoon
