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Published Dec 4, 2020
GT Staff Predictions: Florida vs. Tennessee
GatorsTerritory
Staff

Jump inside below as the GatorsTerritory crew make their predictions for Florida's matchup against Jeremy Pruitt and the Tennessee Volunteers.

Bender: Florida has won 14 of the last 15 in the series and would clinch the SEC East with a victory on Saturday, while Tennessee is riding a five-game losing streak. With that being said, I expect the Gators to continue to roll behind the Kyle-to-Kyle connection and win in Knoxville. The Volunteers are struggling behind center and will likely roll out multiple quarterbacks on Saturday, but one player you have to spotlight is running back Eric Gray, who has logged 651 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season. There is no doubt he has been one of the lone bright spots for Tennessee's offense, but his productivity won't be enough to outscore a Gators offensive attack that is averaging a conference-best 369.6 yards and over four touchdowns through the air. UF continues to move in the right direction and clinches the SEC East on Saturday.

SCORE: 41-17, Florida

Abolverdi: It's hard to believe now, but the Vols were once ranked the nation's No. 12 team in the Coaches Poll — and that was in Week 6! Their season has taken a nosedive since then, including three straight losses by 20-plus points in October (Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama). Tennessee also lost at Arkansas and Auburn last month and had two games canceled due to COVID-19. The Gators, meanwhile, are heading in the opposition direction. They've won five straight and have their sights set on Atlanta. I think they punch their ticket Saturday with another 300-yard performance from Kyle Trask and a dominant day from the defense, especially if the Vols have to start freshman quarterback Harrison Bailey (see below).

SCORE: 45-13, Florida

Clarke: There have been rumors swirling around this week that starting quarterback Jarrett Guarantano could be out of the game this weekend due to contact tracing. I don't think it will matter regardless, as he has yet to throw a touchdown pass against the Gators in his career. With that being said, if the Vols have to try and break in a freshman QB, I think that bodes very well for a Florida defense that has struggled at times this year. I also think the offense will come out hot, jumping out to an early lead and making Tennessee's starting quarterback — whoever it is — play from behind. I also think Trask will throw four touchdowns after not doing so in the previous two weeks. I’ve got the Gators in this one, and it should be a pretty lopsided game.

SCORE: 45-17, Florida

Reynolds: The Volunteers started the season fairly strong, comfortably winning their first two games of the season against South Carolina and Missouri. After those two, it’s been all downhill. Tennessee hasn't been in the win column since Oct. 3, dropping its last five games. The Vols have a chance to upset a pair of teams just outside the playoff picture, Florida and Texas A&M, in their last two games. After a long losing streak, Tennessee is desperate for a win and will be looking to play spoiler against the Gators and Aggies. But I don't think it's happening Saturday.

SCORE: 38-21, Florida

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