CNNSI.com's Stewart Mandel breaks down this week's big game.
For the eighth time in 10 years, both the Gators and Vols enter their annual showdown ranked in the Top 10. Florida has won 12 of the past 16 meetings in a series that became rather one-sided during Steve Spurrier's tenure in Gainesville, but Tennessee made a huge statement by winning at Florida 34-32 last December and is considered the clear favorite for the first time in recent memory. Much of that is due to the Gators' performance in their first big game under new coach Ron Zook, a 41-16 loss to No. 1 Miami two weeks ago, and a lackluster effort last week against Ohio.
Rex Grossman AP
Florida's offense vs. Tennessee's defense
It's been clear even to the untrained eye that All-American QB Rex Grossman is not completely comfortable in Florida's new offensive system, and he hasn't been helped by a young offensive line or lack of a proven No. 2 receiver behind star Taylor Jacobs. Meanwhile, Tennessee ranks No. 2 nationally in total defense (198 yards per game), albeit in games against Wyoming and Middle Tennessee State. The Vols will likely take a cue from Miami and try pressuring Grossman with just four defenders, allowing their DBs to double team Jacobs and cut down the chance of a big play. But they'll mix in more zone than the 'Canes, employing talented safeties Julian Battle and Rashad Baker in pass coverage. Strange as it sounds, Florida's best plan may be to run, run, run with Earnest Graham, plus throw out of the flat to both him and TE Aaron Walker. Impressive freshman LB Kevin Simon will play a role for the Vols.
Cedric Houston Univ. of Tennessee
Tennessee's offense vs. Florida's defense
In last year's game, Florida bottled up Vols receivers Kelley Washington and Donte Stallworth but gave up 226 yards rushing to Travis Stephens. Florida's young defensive line has shown an even greater vulnerability against the run so far this season, something Tennessee will look to exploit with tailback Cedric Houston (7.8 yards per carry, 90 per game) and tailback/fullback Jabari Davis. Then again, the Gators may be more concerned with Washington, who had 1,010 yards a year ago and returns after missing the first two games, and new threat sophomore Tony Brown (15 catches). They'll need to find someone who can get pressure on largely unflappable Tennessee QB Casey Clausen (74.2 percent completions), while the Gators' best defenders, DT Ian Scott and LB Bam Hardmon, look to clog the middle of the field and keep him from connecting with dangerous TE Jason Witten.
Special teams, in particular punting, have been somewhat of a problem thus far for the Gators, while Tennessee has a solid field-goal kicker in senior Alex Walls, a reliable punter in Dustin Colquitt and dangerous return men in Baker and Corey Larkins. The Vols obviously also have an edge on the sideline with Phillip Fulmer and his experienced staff. The Gators will come in with an air of desperation, though, and may, believe it or not, be able to catch the Vols taking them lightly.
Tennessee WR Kelley Washington
So. 6-4, 225
2001 stats: 64 catches, 1,010 yards, five TDs
No one is higher on the dangerous wideout than Washington himself. "I definitely feel I'm the best receiver in the country," he said. "I feel I have all the skills and the work ethic to carry this team as far as it needs to go."
He limited Miami star Andre Johnson to four catches for 56 yards, though one of those was a crucial touchdown, then didn't get much action last week against an Ohio team that passed all of four times.
On paper, it's not an even matchup. Tennessee would appear to have the edge at nearly every position. Then again, the Vols have yet to face a test quite like Florida did against Miami, and it's possible they have weaknesses that simply have yet to be exposed. Expect the Gators to play it close to the vest offensively, limiting their opportunities for mistakes, while emotion and hunger help carry them to a much closer outcome that might be expected.
The pick: Tennessee 27, Florida 23.
Rex Grossman
Cedric Houston
