On Saturday No. 24 Florida (0-1) is set to host No. 23 Tennessee (2-0) in a match-up that will air on CBS. Brent Hubbs previews the Volunteers for Inside the Gators for our Behind Enemy Lines series.
We heard a lot of hotseat chatter surrounding Butch Jones this offseason. How is Big Orange Nation feeling heading into Week 3?
The Vol fan base has concerns about the defense after what they saw against Georgia Tech. But this team is 2-0 with an exciting win and some young players making plays such as receiver Marquez Callaway and linebacker Daniel Bituli. This team is where the fans thought they would be record wise and they are excited about opening the SEC season. As everyone knows, judgement starts with conference play and that's why this is a big game for both teams.
The Gators put a big emphasis on trying to contain Josh Dobbs as a runner in the last two meetings. How has the UT offense changed with Quinten Dormady at quarterback? Who are the players to watch on that side of the ball?
Through two games, Dormady has two offensive carries so it's been a very big change from what the Vols have done offensively the last couple of years. Tennessee has run a good number of RPO's through two games and there have been more of those than in the past. Junior running back John Kelly has been the bell cow of the Vol offense for two games. He leads the Vols in rushing yards and receptions. Receiver Marquez Callaway has three touchdowns in five receptions in two games.
Who are some players to watch on defense and special teams?
Defensively linebacker Daniel Bituli only got the start against Georgia Tech because of injury, but he has taken full advantage of his opportunity setting an SEC record for tackles in game one and currently leading the team in tackles in two games.
On special teams, Ty Chandler, a freshman tailback, is the latest to score in the kicking game. His kick return for a score to open last week's game was the 11th kickoff or punt return for a touchdown in Jones' 53 games as Tennessee's head coach. Punter Trevor Daniel might be the best punter in the SEC
If you were Florida offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, what would be your game plan against the Tennessee defense considering the unit's strengths and weaknesses?
I don't think the secondary has been tested so trying to stretch the field and see how that unit plays would be an area I would test. Saturday against Indiana State, the defense gave up the bulk of the rushing yards on jet sweeps. I would run wide on this defense and see if the Vols can contain the ends.
One thing to keep in mind is that Tennessee has played to unusual offenses and have yet to show any blitz stuff so there's plenty of unknowns still about this Vol defense.
Jauan Jennings is obviously a big loss for the Volunteers at wide receiver. Are there any other positions affected by injuries or suspensions?
Tennessee has been bitten by the injury bug. Linebacker Darrin Kirkland, Jr. is out for the year. He would have been a starter. Chance Hall is out for the year. He would have been battling to be the starting right tackle. Two guys that are kind of day-to-day are offensive tackle Marcus Tatum and return specialist Evan Berry. Tight end Eli Wolf will likely miss with an ankle injury.
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