Florida (-7.5) at Tennessee 3:30 pm ET
Tennessee rebounded from a stunning loss to UCLA, taking down overmatched UAB 35-3 in home opener. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton was much more comfortable under center in his second start, though consideration must be given to the Florida front four, who might be just a tiny bit better than the Blazers. Coach Phillip Fullmer hopes the miscues that cost him a victory in Los Angeles will be cleaned up and the Vols will give a clean performance against Florida at Neyland Stadium.
If Tennessee has SEC aspirations and a desire to play in a New Year’s Day bowl, this becomes a must win. A second loss with trips to Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina still to come, makes this heated encounter a requirement. Tennessee has strained in this matchup, winning four of 15 times with a 4-10-1 ATS record.
Florida needed big plays on special teams and a dominant performance on defense to put away Miami 26-3 at The Swamp. The offense had a difficult time with the Hurricanes, having similar athletes to Florida.
Tim Tebow struggled in the first half but they started to march in the second, scoring 17 fourth quarter points. The defense has held a couple of opponents to 191 total yards per game and Florida is 13-4 ATS after allowing 75 or less rushing yards in two straight contests.
Florida besides owning the Vols, they are 10-3-1 against the number in their first SEC game of the season and will be brimming with confidence. Tennessee will have a serious game face on after last year’s 59-20 drubbing in Gainesville. The Vols are 7-3 ATS after allowing 170 yards or less passing. Watch the underdog who is 7-4-1 ATS in last dozen get-togethers.
Florida covers
