Greg McElroy makes pick in Tennessee-Florida, but raises recent concerns
Greg McElroy is looking forward to the matchup between No. 11 Tennessee vs. Florida this weekend in The Swamp.
Florida has not lost a home game vs. Tennessee since 2003, with a 9-game home winning streak vs. the Vols in that span.
During the Always College Football show, McElroy shares some keys to both teams’ SEC opener.
McElroy cites Tennessee’s run game vs. Florida’s defensive line as a key area to watch. Tennessee currently ranks fourth nationally in rushing yards per game with a terrific trio of Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small, and Dylan Sampson.
“They’re spreading it out evenly amongst a bunch of guys. They’ve got a lot of guys at running back that are very solid…” McElroy said. “They have 3 backs that can flat out get it…”
If Preseason All-SEC Third Team offensive lineman Cooper Mays is able to return in Week 3, McElroy believes it could make Tennessee even more dangerous in the rushing attack.
“That would go a long way in making that offensive line look even better than they’ve looked through 2 weeks,” McElroy said.
McElroy also shared his thoughts on the play of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton, who has passed for 429 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions.
“Joe Milton has been okay. I would not say he’s been good. I would not say he’s been terrible,” McElroy said. “…Even though the explosive plays haven’t been there, he’s been really smart with the football.”
McElroy says in order for Tennessee to snap their drought at Florida, they’ll have to hit the ground running.
“They have not gotten off to great starts on the road in the last 2 years,” McElroy said. “They need to be better on the road in what should be a hostile environment.”
McElroy is picking the Vols because of their offensive weapons and belief that Milton will have a breakthrough performance.
“I lean Tennessee in the game. I just think they have a little bit too much firepower. I think Joe Milton is due. I think he’s going to play better,” McElroy said. “I still expect the pass rush for Tennessee to have some success. I think Graham Mertz will feel the heat a little bit if they can’t get one of their other wide receivers going.”