Well, the Fearless Prediction is 2-0, but not feeling especially good about ourselves following Tennessee’s 30-13 win over FCS Austin Peay. The Vols were nearly a 50-point favorite, yet this was a 10-point game in the 4th quarter.

We take solace in the fact that no one outside of Clarksville thought it would be a relatively close game either.

However, with a new week comes a new challenge. It’s a chance to improve to 3-0. At the same time, Tennessee can accomplish something that hasn’t been done in 2 decades.

Win an American college football game in Gainesville.

Currently the Vols have the upper hand in this series, thanks to a 38-33 win at Neyland Stadium last season. But since 2005, the Vols only have 2 victories over Florida. They’ve struggled no matter who was in charge at Florida.

UT went 0-6 against Urban Meyer, 0-4 against Will Muschamp, 1-2 against Jim McElwain and 0-4 against Dan Mullen. Not since Ron Zook went 1-2 against the Vols between 2002-2004 has a Gators coach had a losing mark against the Vols. Current Florida coach Billy Napier has joined him, but only has one game against UT, so let’s give that a bit to marinate before making rash assumptions.

The folks in the big shiny buildings in Las Vegas established the Vols as a 7-point favorite, which only increases the anxiety amongst Tennessee fans. The last time the Vols were a TD favorite in Gainesville? Las Vegas might not have even existed. Heck, there might not have even been the wheel.

Tennessee QB Joe Milton has not put up poor numbers. In these 1st 2 games he’s completed 67% of his passes for 429 yards and 4 TDs. He’s also run for 3 TDs. But something feels … off. The deep ball that was supposed to be a major part of this Tennessee offense has been pretty much non-existent. Receivers Squirrel White and Dont’e Thornton have world class speed, but we haven’t seen the Vols trying to utilize them against Virginia or Austin Peay.

Tennessee’s running game continues to churn out quality performances, averaging 257.5 yards per game on the ground, 4th best in the nation. Jaylen Wright is averaging 9.3 yards per carry. Jabari Small and Dylan Sampson fill out an impressive trio.

As for Florida, Wisconsin transfer QB Graham Mertz is completing 77% of his passes. He was one of only a few bright spots in the Gators’ season opening loss at Utah 2 weeks ago. In the 49-7 win over FCS McNeese State, Mertz completed 14 of 17 passes for 191 yards and 1 TD. He also ran for a score.

On the ground, the Gators also have a triumvirate of RBs, with Montrell Johnson Jr., Trevor Etienne and Treyaun Webb combining for 308 yards and 5 rushing scores. Senior WR Ricky Pearsall is by far Florida’s top option through the air, catching 14 passes for 215 yards and a score in the Gators’ 1st 2 games.

Defensively the Vols looked pretty good and have a few eye-popping stats. They lead the nation this season in tackles for loss with 12.5, are tied at the top in sacks per game with 5.5 and total sacks at 11. Senior LB Aaron Beasley already has 6 TFLs himself, best in the country. Overall, the Vols are 29th in the FBS in total defense.

Florida’s defense is ranked 3rd in the country. Sophomore LB Shemar James leads the Gators with 19 total tackles.

In 2003, Tennessee beat Florida 24-10 at The Swamp. It was Vols QB Casey Clausen’s 2nd win in that building. Since then, guys like Nathan Peterman, Josh Dobbs and Jarrett Guarantano have tried to join the exclusive company of UT signal callers that won a game in Gainesville.

In his 3rd year at Tennessee, Josh Heupel has brought Tennessee back from mediocrity. The Vols are 20-8 under Heupel, and he’s one of the most popular people in the state. On the flip side to that coin, Billy Napier has not endeared himself thus far to Florida fans. Now in his 2nd season, he’s only 7-8 with the Gators. His seat is already getting hot, but he can cool it a lot with a win this weekend.

For most of the past 20 years, Tennessee had less talent on its roster than Florida. I don’t think that’s the case anymore. Joe Milton has the chance to further cement his place in Tennessee history on Saturday night. I think we see him lead the Pride of the Southland Marching Band after the game, just like Clausen did.

Fearless Prediction time …

Tennessee 27, Florida 21