Andrew Spivey, Gentry Hawk, and Nick Marcinko preview Florida’s week 13 matchup vs. No.20 Tennessee with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to victory on offense?
AS: Run the ball effectively to help open the deep shots. Florida was successful with that last week and that’s the key.
GH: DJ Lagway didn’t play his best against Ole Miss, but he shredded the Rebels secondary in the first half. If the Gators are going to win this game, Lagway must take advantage of Tennessee’s poor pass defense for 60 minutes. If you can balance out the passing game and running game effectively on Saturday, I like the Gators chances.
NM: Florida is going to have to find a way to keep up with Tennessee’s high scoring offense on Saturday night, which means they’ll have to compete in the explosive play battle. DJ Lagway hit two chunk plays in the first half vs. Ole Miss and we will need to see more of that if the Gators want to hang around. It all starts with Lagway.
What are the keys to victory on defense?
AS: Florida has to find a way to get a pass rush against Tennessee and getting Caleb Banks back would help that a lot.
GH: The most important thing for Florida’s defense on Saturday is how well their front seven performs. Aguilar has shown to struggle when pressured, and you must take advantage of that.
NM: First and foremost, the Gators have to limit Tennessee’s run game. Over the last two weeks, Florida has allowed a combined 470 rushing yards. The Vols open up the pass game with the run so that’s top priority. Second, you need to force Aguilar into bad decisions by pressuring him. He’s already thrown 10 interceptions this season including four 2+ turnover games.
One player you’d like to see receive more playing time in week 13:
AS: With all of the injuries at receiver, I would like to see what Naeshaun Montgomery can do. I asked for it last week as well.
GH: If Bryce Thornton is unable to go on Saturday, I would like to see Lagonza Hayward get the majority of snaps.
NM: I’m also going with Lagonza Hayward. The freshman defensive back has had an up and down season but is capable of making big plays out of the star position. Hayward is a physical defender that can rush the passer.
Other keys to victory:
AS: Florida has to start out fast because if they get down the fear of losing will creep back in the team’s mind.
GH: Expect to win and get the Swamp active from the start. No matter how bad the Gators are, they always have a chance in this game at home.
NM: I don’t see a path to victory unless Florida wins the turnover battle on Saturday night.
Score prediction:
AS: Tennessee 31 Florida 17
GH: Florida 31 Tennessee 28
NM: Tennessee 34 Florida 30