‘It definitely makes it less scary’ – The major factor that could end Tennessee’s losing streak to Florida in the Swamp

The Tennessee Vols are hoping to end a losing streak in Gainesville this weekend that dates back to 2003.

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Tennessee Vols haven’t beaten the Florida Gators in Gainesville since 2003.

There have been plenty of reasons for the Vols’ lack of success in the Swamp, from poor coaching to, at times, an overall lack of talent (compared to Florida’s level of talent).

One factor, though, that often gets overlooked is the fact that Tennessee typically plays Florida in September, when it’s approximately 175 degrees in Gainesville.

I don’t think the ridiculous heat and humidity are the reasons why Tennessee hasn’t won in the Swamp in 22 years, but it’s certainly a factor according to a couple of former Vols.

(Notably, Tennessee has only won in Gainesville twice since the early 1970’s, and one of those wins, in 2001 due to the tragic events of 9/11, came in December.)

Former Vols defensive lineman says playing in the Swamp in November makes this game “less scary” for Tennessee

Former Vols Marlon Walls and Ollie Lane joined The Sports Source this week to discuss Tennessee football and the upcoming game against the Gators, and they agreed that it’ll be “less scary” to play Florida in Gainesville in November.

“We’re all used to going down there in September when it’s hot, humid, and muggy, and it’s not fun to be outside in Florida,” said Lane. “So, [playing in November] will be nice. That’s actually really great weather to play football in.”

“My memory of the swamp is — and I always go back to my freshman year — a lot of those older guys are telling us, ‘Man, it’s gonna be hot,’” said Walls. “And as a guy that’s about to play, it’s like, ‘We’ll be alright, we just got through a hot camp, we’re good to go.’

“But, man, I remember going out for warm-ups and feeling like you couldn’t breathe with the crowd on top of you. They were used to it, so it didn’t bother them at all. And I remember us coming in drenched in sweat before the game. So with it being at 50 (or 60) degrees, that helps us more than it helps them…..so I would say, yeah, it definitely makes it less scary.”

The low in Gainesville on Saturday night is expected to be in the upper 50s or lower 60s.

It’s not going to be a winter wonderland in the Swamp, but it won’t feel like the Vols are playing a football game in a tropical rainforest in South America, either.

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