Joel Klatt believes Tennessee versus Florida will be a 'tight matchup'
Joel Klatt, a college football analyst for Fox Sports, gave his thoughts on Tennessee’s match up against Florida on Saturday.
Klatt noted during “The Joel Klatt Show” on Friday that the contest between the Volunteers and Gators will be a “tight matchup.”
“This is one of those game that’s like, boy, this is historically a really important and great match up,” Klatt said.
Klatt predicted Florida will cover the game’s points spread, which is 6.5, but Tennessee to win outright.
However, Klatt noted that he can see the Vols’ offense struggling at The Swamp, especially with senior quarterback Joe Milton III making his first start against Florida on the road.
“This is a wide receiver-based offense, down field read-routes, and it just hasn’t jelled,” Klatt said. “We don’t see the plays.”
Will Tennessee break its losing streak at Florida?@JoelKlatt believes this might be a tighter game than the experts think ? pic.twitter.com/hhbREc7nkf
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) September 15, 2023
Klatt said noted that Tennessee could lean on its run game more against Florida. In the Vols’ first two victories this season, the team has averaged more team rushing yards (257.5) than passing yards (220).
The Vols have not won in Gainesville since 2003.
“It’s not been an easy place to play, regardless of what Florida is going through,” Klatt said, but noted the Vols have had “soft” opponents so far.
Klatt said that the Gators, who fell 24-11 to nationally-ranked Utah to open the season, but beat McNeese last week, is “going to improve.”
“The best things that can happen to a team is playing poorly early (on),” Klatt said. “Why? Because coaches can then make adjustments, and the coaching staff can coach that team hard.”
Tennessee and Florida square off at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.