The Southeastern Conference showdown between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville is only a day away and the big game between two long-time rivals is expected to be a good one.
Sports Illustrated editor Zach Koons put together his college football watchability rankings ahead of the matchup, listing the eight games on the Week 7 slate that offer the best gridiron action. The Orange and Blue’s road tangle with the Vols came in at No. 8.
“This game slips out of honorable mention territory, not so much because of it being pleasant on the eyes but because of the state of the programs involved,” Koons begins. “Tennessee is coming off of a colossal letdown on the road against Arkansas. Florida has pieced together back-to-back wins to stave off, at least temporarily, the anticipated firing of Billy Napier.
“But the Gators could give their third-year coach his biggest defense yet against termination in Knoxville,” he continues. “The Vols may still rank in the top five in the country in total offense (fifth) and defense (second), but moving the ball in the first half against Arkansas was a struggle. If Napier and the Gators’ defense can play like it did last week against UCF, then there’s a blueprint to send this Tennessee program into panic mode.”
Koons also notes the key matchup in this SEC affair: Florida’s pass rush vs. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
“The Gators’ defensive front has been inconsistent this year, but still ranks 24th in the country with 2.4 sacks per game and completely stifled the Golden Knights with five last weekend. Iamaleava, an early Heisman Trophy contender, had his worst game (17-for-29 for 158 yards and no scores) of the season against a Razorbacks defense that sacked him four times. If Florida can’t get after the Tennessee freshman, this could turn into a lopsided track meet.”
Florida at Tennessee game details
Kickoff for the Gators-Volunteers game is slated for 7 p.m. ET and the SEC action will be broadcast on ESPN.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.