Florida vs. Tennessee, Game Thread: 25 predictions, including a 12th straight win

I don’t have much to say about Florida-Tennessee that isn’t just a regurgitated cliché. (3:30 p.m., CBS or CBSSports.com).

The team that runs for more yardage is probably going to win, both because it takes a miraculous comeback like Florida’s against Tennessee in 2015 to overcome a substantial advantage on the ground and because it’s a better recipe for success for both of these teams than relying on Joshua Dobbs and Austin Appleby to win the game.

The Gators come in with the confidence of history in their minds. The Vols have only memories of heartbreak. Both can motivate — but I trust the confidence more.

Florida’s defense should dominate Tennessee. The Vols’ offensive line has been a mess at best in 2016, and Florida leads the nation in sacks without even getting great production from any player predicted to produce up front so far this year. Plus, Florida’s defensive backs have blanketed defenders, and made plays when challenged.

And on the flip side, Florida’s offense — and what it is able to do against the Tennessee defense — will probably determine the outcome of the game. If the Gators can run the ball and set up Appleby for a play-action shot or two, I think Florida’s got a great, great chance of winning this game.

I think Florida’s got a great, great chance of winning this game.

Here are my 25 predictions for Florida-Tennessee.

1. Neither team will score 30 points.
2. At least one team will get to double figures in the first half.
3. Florida will lead by at least seven points at some point in the game.
4. Austin Appleby will throw for at least 150 yards.
5. Appleby will throw an interception.
6. Appleby will not be the only Florida player to throw a pass.
7. Lamical Perine will lead Florida in rushing yards.
8. Florida will average more than four yards per carry.
9. Antonio Callaway will play.
10. Callaway will have at least four catches.
11. A Florida wide receiver will catch a touchdown pass.
12. Florida will make a big play on special teams.
13. CeCe Jefferson will record at least one tackle for loss.
14. Jabari Zuniga will record no more than one sack.
15. Alex Anzalone and Jarrad Davis will combine for more than 12 tackles.
16. Anzalone and Davis will each record at least half a sack.
17. Quincy Wilson will make a big play on defense.
18. Florida will recover at least one Tennessee fumble.
19. Joshua Dobbs will not lead Tennessee in passing, rushing, and receiving.
20. Florida will allow more than 200 yards.
21. Florida’s defense will allow fewer than 5.0 yards per play.
22. Florida will force at least two turnovers.
23. Florida will win the turnover battle.
24. Florida will defeat Tennessee for the 12th straight season.
25. Florida will win, 24-13.

Your predictions and comments, as always, are welcomed. A reminder: Please be kind and treat your fellow commenters as you would your siblings.