Florida-Tennessee Preview

Well it's fast approaching. The Florida v. Tennessee game is almost upon us. As we all know this particular issue of the rivalry is a poignant one. The Good Guys v. The Bad Guys. The Kiffins v. Meyer. Rocky Top v. The Orange and Blue. The Creamsicle Crusaders v. Brandon Spikes, etc. etc.

All the stories, plot lines and sub plot lines are enough to fill a decades worth of rivalry games. We get it all this Saturday. The Swamp will be crazy and Urb will be ready to exact his revenge and shut Laney up.

3:30 on Saturday can't get here soon enough....


5 Keys to the Game

1. Control emotions - There is so much hype surrounding this game. The Gators have to realize that it's all just hype. Sure they can use some of Lane Kiffin's words for motivation. I know I'm more pumped up for this game than I have been for a Tennessee game since the days of the 'Ol Ball Coach. But it's ok if I let my emotions get the best of me, I don't have a game plan to follow. Plus, I'll more than likely be drunk at game time.

2. Protect the ball - This is pretty much a key in any game. However, it should be emphasized more for this particular contest. In the Gators' only lost last season, they turned the ball over more than all of their other games combined. Hopefully they got all of their fumbles out of the way v. Troy last week.

3. Block out Rocky Top - It's just a god-awful song. If the Gator players accidentally subject themselves to the torturous ear raping that is Rocky Top, they may implode.

4. Avoid penalties - The last thing we need is to allow Tennessee to hang around longer than they should because of penalties. Even the greatest of talent, a.k.a. Florida Gators, can be cancelled out by drive-stalling penalties. Again, hopefully we got most of our penalties out of the way vs. Troy last week.

5. Don't listen to the hype - It's dangerous. Especially in a rivalry game.



5 Players That Need to Step Up

1. Brandon Spikes - Mr. Spikes needs to be ready to inflict as much punishment as possible on Saturday. I have to say B. Spikes hasn't looked like his normal self these past two games. Then again, it is kind of hard to get geared up for Charleston Southern and Troy. He should have no such problems vs. Tennessee.

2. Janoris Jenkins - The only unit on Tennessee's offense that is athletic enough to halfway compete with the Gators D are the wide receivers. Joe Haden will be solid as usual and should get another hard hit on Jonathan Crompton. I'm looking for Jenkins to step up and shut down one of those talented receivers. I'm looking at you Nu'Keese.

3. Brandon James - Brandon James has had his biggest games against Tennessee. For some reason they have never learned to kick away from him. Hopefully the new regime didn't get the memo either.

4. David Nelson - Riley Cooper has had 2 outstanding games. Deonte Thompson hasn't been all that impressive, but he managed to stop dropping balls long enough to catch 2 td passes. Even Justin Williams, Omarius Hines and Cade Holliday have looked good. The only receiver that hasn't produced has been David Nelson. Time for him to contribute.

5. Tim Tebow - Senior season. The most hyped Florida-Tennessee game ever. Keeping national title hopes alive. The Heisman. All are reason why it would be nice if Mr. Tebow went off for a monster game. Hopefully Timmy could even pull a Cam Newton on Eric Berry.


Here's some highlights from last season Gator victory.



Here's what those slack jawed yokels are saying.
My Prediction

Florida - 52

Tennessee - 7