Hendon Hooker and No. 11 Tennessee overpowered No. 20 Florida to snap UT’s losing streak in the rivalry with a 38-33 win Saturday on Rocky Top. The Gators gave the Vols all they could handle, taking it down to the last of the play of the game.

In addition to his big day passing, Hooker was also the Vols’ leading rusher (13 carries, 112 yards, TD). Florida’s Anthony Richardson performed better than he has the last 2 weeks, but it wasn’t enough for the Gators’ upset bid.

Richardson had a big day (24-of-44, 453 yards, 2 TD; 17 carries, 62 yards 2 TD), but Tennessee’s defense stepped up to contain Florida’s rushing attack to 3.4 yards per carry (42 carries, 141 yards). The Vols were the more productive team on the ground Saturday, adding to their prolific passing attack by out-rushing the Gators 227-141 yards.

Tennessee was without star wide receiver Cedric Tillman, but Bru McCoy (5 catches, 102 yards, TD) stepped up for his first triple-digit receiving game as a Volunteer.

Florida’s upset bid got off to a rough start. In the first quarter, the Gators had a turnover on downs in Tennessee territory and a missed field goal on its first 2 possessions. UF forced 2

Despite that rocky start, Florida had a 14-10 lead with 1:33 left in the first half. In a decision that is certainly being second-guessed by Gator Nation, Florida head coach Billy Napier called his last timeout of the half with the Vols facing 3rd-and-10 on their own 12-yard line.

Tennessee converted the 3rd-and-10 and kept marching, making it a 99-yard drive to retake the lead 17-10 with 7 seconds in the half.

The Volunteers received the second-half kick and widened the lead to a 10-point margin with a 10-play, 73-yard scoring drive to make it 24-14.

Florida didn’t go away down 10 on the road in a hostile Neyland Stadium environment. UF and Tennessee traded scores on the next 2 drives.

The Gators were trailing 31-21 when Richardson had a costly fumble that ended a 13-play, 83-yard drive. UT was able to get points off the turnover with a 10-play, 87-yard drive, making it a 38-21 game.

The 17-point margin was ultimately too much for the Florida offense to overcome. The Gators got 2 4th-quarter touchdowns, but unsuccessfully went for 2 on both tries, only getting 12 more points.

Turnovers were the only way to stop the Tennessee offense. The Vols played turnover-free ball in the second half.