Although it may not fall on the traditional Third Saturday in September, the rivalry between Florida and Tennessee remains a significant matchup within the SEC. The Florida Gators (3-7, 2-5 SEC) have struggled recently, remaining winless on the road. However, they hope to find some momentum as they return home to The Swamp in Week 13 to face the No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers, who boast a record of 7-3 this season and are evenly split at 3-3 in conference play.
ESPN’s Football Power Index projections for the week have the odds stacked against the Gators even at home, with Tennessee holding a 65% chance of winning compared to Florida’s 35%.
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Despite their recent challenges, Florida has historically dominated this series, leading with a record of 32 wins to Tennessee’s 22 over their 54 meetings. The Gators enjoyed an impressive winning streak from 2005 to 2015, during which they won eleven consecutive games against the Volunteers.
However, they enter this contest following a loss to Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels, falling short with a score of 34-23. Quarterback DJ Lagway completed 16 of his 31 passes for 218 yards, recording one touchdown and one interception. He also contributed on the ground with eight carries for 34 yards and one rushing touchdown. Running back Jaden Baugh added to the offense with 61 rushing yards on fifteen carries and another touchdown while also making four receptions for sixteen yards.
Tennessee had no trouble securing a decisive victory against New Mexico State, winning by a score of 42-9. Quarterback Joey Aguilar led his team effectively with a performance that included completing seventeen of twenty-three passes for 204 yards, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed three times for thirty-four yards and scored once on the ground. Running back DeSean Bishop was instrumental as well, amassing eighty rushing yards on sixteen carries and adding another touchdown while contributing four receptions for twenty-six yards.
Florida has been attempting to regroup since parting ways with head coach Billy Napier earlier in the season. A series of injuries have further strained their depth and impacted their ability to maintain competitiveness in games. As they prepare to return home under Friday night lights, they will be looking for redemption and aiming to close out their season on some positive note. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET in Gainesville.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
