| 11 September 2011
On the other side line, first year Gators coach Will Muschamp fully realizes the importance of this game.
Both teams are currently sitting at 2-0 and neither have played anyone of appreciable ability. That all changes this weekend as the Vols travel to The Swamp to take on their SEC East nemesis, the Florida Gators.
I believe in history. So, what does the series history indicate for this game? Let's take a look. The Florida Gators lead the series 21-19.
Looking at the over all series, you cannot get much more even than that without being tied. Both teams should be able to hold their head's high knowing that their team is right there ... dead even.
Nope.
The Vols used to own this series. In fact, in the beginning, UT held a commanding 10-0 series lead. Of course, that was between 1916 - 1953. Since 1953, the series has been led by the Boys from Florida ... without the help of a calculator, I keep coming up with 21-9 ... someone want to check my math on that one?
Breaking it down further, go ahead and begin the 'new money' chant ... Florida has won 14 of the past 19 since the league went to the realignment format in 1992. No matter how you slice it, that is ownership ... at least partially.
But, knowing that the series is basically even ... and knowing that the Gators have a lopsided advantage in modern history ... what does that say about this particular year?
According to Vegas, Florida is a 10 point favorite in this week's contest. That does not bode well for the Vols. At all.
Tennessee has shown some flashes in their first two games. QB Tyler Bray has shown the ability to deliver the football in stride and has improved significantly on pre-reading defenses. The UT offensive line has performed better than in recent memory in pass protection. Run blocking has been adequate, but nothing to write home about.
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Tennessee defense has been largely ignored so far this season. Other than giving up the big play (80 yard pass against Montana, 65 yard run against Cincinatti), the UT defense has made the in-game corrections to be successful. Cincy was not a bad team.
The Gators have ho-hummed through the first two games, but most notably has been Jonathan Brantley's performance in the new Gator offense. Brantley was given up for dead at the end of last season ... this year is a different story. Brantley has actually been able to be comfortable in the pocket and the Gator offense is playing to his strengths.
The Florida defense has been rock solid in their opening two games. Without diving in deep, the Gator defense matches up very well with the UT offense.
We still have most of a week to hear the smack talk, the nay sayers, and the banter that always follows this game ... but once these two teams strap the chin straps, expect a hard hitting affair that will without a doubt leave one team standing tall ... while the other one is spanked.
Who ya got?
