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Florida at Tennessee: Player of the game and final score predictions
By Jason Hall
Published:
The Tennessee Volunteers (2-2) host the Florida Gators (3-1) for their annual SEC East matchup Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The Gators have won every game since 2005 and look to continue their streak against a rising Tennessee program. The Vols last win came in a 30-28 last-second victory in 2004.
Tennessee fields a talented young team that benefits in natural ability, but lacks in experience. The Vols played 21 true freshman in their opening game and have continued to use first-year players in key lineup roles. However, Tennessee has seen improvement each game from its young players and looks to be favored over Florida for the first time in several years.
Prediction: Tennessee- 24, Florida- 10
Based on recent history, this prediction seems like a stretch. However, Florida’s offense is struggling with Jeff Driskel under center. Driskel looks out of place and over his head when facing pressure in the pocket.
Tennessee has the talent and speed on defense to bring constant pressure in the backfield. A.J. Johnson is coming off a career-high 17-tackle performance and will lead a strong defensive effort.
Offensively, Jalen Hurd will continue to have success and should use Jarrad Davis’ criticism as motivation. Hurd will play a major role in Tennessee’s offensive success and provide a strong compliment to its passing game.
Player of the Game: Justin Worley
Last week’s game against No. 13 Georgia proved how valuable Justin Worley is to Tennessee’s offense. The senior enjoyed a career day with 264 yards and three touchdowns on 23-of-35 passing. However, it was his absence that was the deciding factor in the Vols’ loss.
Worley missed several possessions in the third and fourth quarters, while Nathan Peterman struggled to lead the offense. Tennessee saw its deficit grow in Worley’s absence, before he returned to throw two more touchdowns and cut the lead late. Worley will need to provide a stellar performance and senior leadership to the young Tennessee offense if the Vols are to snap Florida’s nine-game winning streak.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky