Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week seven matchup vs Tennessee with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys for Florida’s defense against Tennessee’s offense?
AS: Stop Tennessee’s running game and force them into being one dimensional. If they can do that then they can get pressure on Nico.
GH: Pick up exactly where you left off last weekend. The Gators held the Knights to 108 rushing yards and Florida’s secondary played the best game they have all season. Make life hard for Nico Iamaleava, and I think Florida’s secondary plays good enough to keep the Gators in this game.
NM: Florida needs to force pressure on Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Tennessee’s offensive line has struggled to pass protect at times this season, allowing 10 sacks and ranking 65th in the country through five games, according to PFF. The Gators need to win on 1st and 2nd down, creating more opportunities to pressure the quarterback.
What are the keys for Florida’s offense against Tennessee’s defense?
AS: Establish the running game, much like last week, they were able to make UCF honor both run and pass and that’s a must this week.
GH: Florida’s best drives last Saturday against the Knights took significant time off the clock, and that will need to happen again when Florida faces Tennessee this weekend. The Gators struggled scoring zero points in the second half against UCF, and you won’t beat Tennessee doing that. Execution behind Billy Napier’s scripted drives on Saturday is critical.
NM: Florida’s offensive line is the key to victory over Tennessee. The Gators have done a nice job protecting the quarterback over their last two games but are set to face a dominant Volunteer defensive front. Tennessee has a number of pass rushers that can create problems coming off the edge, and Florida will need to neutralize them.
Who do you want to receive more playing time in week seven?
AS: I want to see more Tank. Even with Tre back, Tank can really help this offense especially when teams are going to double Tre.
GH: I want to see Ja’Kobi Jackson receive more playing time against Tennessee. I think Jackson is an underrated running back that has played well when given snaps this season.
NM: Give Baugh the ball! Freshman running back Jadan Baugh has impressed in limited opportunities, averaging 6.7 yards per carry while also displaying explosives in the return game. Baugh has the highest success rate among rushers in the SEC with at least 16 attempts. Baugh is a natural pass blocker, which means he can be used on every down.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Start fast, Florida can not allow the Vols crowd to get going and allow the Vols to get out to a big lead.
GH: I think the two-QB system needs to be tweaked a bit in favor of having DJ get one or two more scripted possessions. Lagway is better at pushing the ball down the field and the Gators need that on Saturday.
NM: Winning on the road is difficult in the SEC, but you can help your chances by creating a few turnovers. Start fast and take the crowd out of the game.
Florida is currently 16-point underdogs on the road vs Tennessee. Give us a score prediction.
AS: I have Tennessee winning 35-21.
GH: 31-20 Tennessee
NM: I think this game is a lot closer than some expect. It’s a game in the 4th quarter but Tennessee finds the end zone late to seal it. 34-24 Vols.