The long, slow, painful slog to the finish continues for the Gators, as Tennessee comes to the Swamp looking to finish strong after a somewhat disappointing season to date.  The Volunteers come into this game at 7-3, including close home losses to Georgia and Oklahoma where turnovers played a large part in those defeats.  They still have faint hope to sneak into the Playoff or a significant bowl game, and will be motivated for this game.

Tennessee’s offense is 2nd in the nation in scoring at 43 points per game, and is averaging just under 500 yards per game.  They play at the same fast pace as Mississippi does, so at least the Gator defense will be prepared for it.  QB Joey Aguilar leads the SEC in total yards and TD passes, and has 2 excellent WR targets in Braylon Staley and Chris Brazzel.  Brazzel leads the SEC in reception yards and TD catches, so the entire Florida secondary will be tested all night.  RBs Desean Bishop and Star Thomas average over 5 yards per carry, and take advantage of how head coach Josh Heupel’s scheme spreads the field.  This is likely the best offense the Gators will face in 2025, and it will take a massive effort to keep the score close enough for the offense to have a chance.  There’s a chance that DT Caleb Banks will be active for this game, with his only action this season coming in the 1st half at LSU.  If he does play, his presence alone would provide a huge boost to Florida’s chances, even if he gets only limited snaps.  He’ll be needed, as Michael Boireau will be out.

The Florida offense will again be forced to try and keep pace with an opponent’s high-powered attack, and that hasn’t worked out very well since the start of 2022.  DJ Lagway has to build upon his first half performance at Mississippi last week, and the playcalling must stay aggressive for 4 quarters – something not seen in a long time.  Jaden Baugh again will be the player that the defense must control first, and the Vols certainly will try.  If Tennessee crowds the LOS, their secondary must be exploited.  They are allowing 260 yards and close to 2 TD passes per game, and have struggled all season.  I just wish I had more confidence in both the players and the playcalling so that Florida can take advantage of that.  There’s hope that WR Vernell Brown III can return this week, and he’s desperately needed.  TJ Abrams and J Michael Sturdivant had their moments last week, but they need help.  The Gator O-line will face another good pass-rushing team, with the Vols averaging over 3 sacks per game.  It may be too late now to try some different lineups, but the OL somehow have to hold up for the entire game, something they haven’t done against quality opponents.

Florida has dominated this rivalry for the past 35 years, and especially at home.  Maybe that, along with a boisterous nighttime crowd in the Swamp, can provide some extra push to pull off an upset.  The Gators will have to play a clean game and win the turnover battle to have a chance, but that hasn’t been the case for 2025, and I’m afraid the current in-season losing streak extends to 4 games.

Prediction: 

Tennessee 35

Florida 27