Florida vs. Tennessee, Game Thread: Gators seek to swamp Vols

Out today for the Florida Gators against the Tennessee Volunteers?

Feleipe Franks. CJ Henderson. Jabari Zuniga. Kadarius Toney. And Donovan Stiner, for the first half, anyway.

That’s the starting quarterback, best defender, second-best pass rusher, best playmaker, and starting (or “starting,” if you want to argue) that the Gators will be playing one of their rivals without on this balmy day in Gainesville (noon, ESPN or WatchESPN).

And it’s a lot — but it still might not prevent Florida from swamping Tennessee. The Vols’ defense was shaky against both Georgia State and BYU in losses, though it recovered — as did the Tennessee offense and special teams — against Chattanooga. Tennessee’s offense, and especially its offensive line, should remain susceptible to a Zuniga-less pass rush, too, with Jonathan Greenard more than capable of bulling off the edge in his own right.

And, well, Tennessee winning in Gainesville is something that needs to be seen to be believed at this point. The Vols’ last two attempts each ended with staggering last-minute passes, and though Tennessee’s incredible luck when it comes to Florida QB injuries — Kyle Trask starting today will make him the eighth different Gators QB1 the Vols have seen since 2013 — is clearly still in effect, so might be the program’s knack for hilarious losses.

I don’t have much more to say in way of preview — but I do have 25 predictions.

1. Florida will score at least twice in the first half.
2. Kyle Trask will not throw for more than 250 yards.
3. Trask will complete a pass of more than 30 yards, but not one of more than 50 yards.
4. Trask will account for at least two touchdowns.
5. Florida players other than Trask will throw at least five passes combined.
6. Trevon Grimes will have at least four catches.
7. Van Jefferson will lead Florida in catches and/or receiving yards.
8. Dameon Pierce will lead Florida in yards per carry.
9. Trask will record a rush of 10 or more yards.
10. A Florida tight end will make a catch of at least 20 yards.
11. Florida will record at least four tackles for loss.
12. Florida will record at least three sacks.
13. Jonathan Greenard will be responsible for at least a sack.
14. David Reese will have at least seven tackles.
15. Amari Burney will make a big play.
16. Kaiir Elam will make a big play.
17. Florida will record at least one interception.
18. Florida will not recover multiple fumbles.
19. Florida will allow more than 300 yards.
20. Florida will allow more than 14 points.
21. Florida’s defense will allow between 4.0 and 5.9 yards per play.
22. Both teams will score in double digits.
23. Florida will lead by double digits at some point.
24. Florida will win by at least 10 points.
25. Florida will defeat Tennessee, 37-20, and run its record to 4-0.

Please behave yourselves in the comments — and stay as cool as you can.

Go Gators!