Billy Napier and Florida face a serious challenge in what seems to be an early turning point for the program this week when Tennessee travels to Gainesville for a primetime game on ESPN.

Napier understands that Tennessee’s offense will be a key in the game, and that the Vols run 3 plays per minute when they’re rolling.

“They’ve got some really unique players, they’ve got some speed in the slot, they’ve got some matchup issues,” Napier said. “The quarterback is a freak of nature. He’s very, very talented, not only can throw it, but can run it.”

Napier said center Cooper Mays, who has been out, is the key to the pace for Tennessee and Napier expects him back for this game. About his own center, Napier said Kingsley Eguakun will be back this week after missing 2 games with a right ankle injury.

Napier said that he’s educated players about the series history.

“We have several games and they all matter, but what makes this unique is the history of it,” Napier said. “This used to be THE game in college football.”