NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Florida Gators will be wearing their road white jerseys this afternoon when their Southeastern Conference East DIvision game against Vanderbilt kicks off today at 11:21 p.m. local time (12:21 p.m. ET). The Gators also likely will be wearing something thermal — temperatures at kickoff are predicted to be in the low 40s. Speaking of predictions …
Buddy Martin: Traditionally, this game is a struggle for Florida teams played this time of the year in Nashville. The Gators have come too far to fall back into a pit of despair. Their new offense is clicking and the defense is starting to shape up with Will Hill performing better. The new three-headed quarterback system and quick-stepping offense gives Florida the juice it needs. Jordan Reed cranks out a touchdown pass and Johnny Brantley throws for two more as the Gators get bowl eligible. Florida 38, Vanderbilt 21.
John Fineran: Jack Frost will be nipping at Florida’s toes when their game kicks off, but Florida’s hurry-up offense will get their feet warm in a hurry. Trey Burton, Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey each run for more than 100 yards and John Brantley throws for 175 yards and scores on a pass from Burton. Meanwhile, the defense throws a doughnut at the Commodores, and that’s why … It’s Easy … Florida 63, Vanderbilt 0.
Tim Casey: This will be the week that the Florida passing game starts to click. The Tennessee Air National Guard will be scrambled after John Brantley and the Gators put on an air show at Vanderbilt Stadium, racking up more than 450 yards through the sky. Florida wins 43-6, allowing the second team to get some playing time and the starters to get some important rest heading into a big game against South Carolina.
Derek Tyson: With the loss of leading rusher and kick returner Warren Norman, Vandy will struggle to move the ball against the Gators. Florida’s defense will come out with something to prove after being gashed by Georgia last weekend. The Gators will post their first shutout of the season and win going away, 35-0.
Dugan Arnett: The excitement surrounding last week’s success offensively doesn’t carry into Saturday’s game. The cold and early start lead to another slow first quarter for the Gators, and the no-huddle attack that shocked Georgia last week is far less effective against a Vanderbilt team that has had a week to prepare for it. The Gators will win with relative ease — 28-10 — but the offensive struggles that have plagued them for most of the season will again be an issue.
John Patton: Florida will jump ahead early, in great part because Jeff Demps rushes for 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half. Gators win, 31-14.