Griffith: Mike's matchups

En garde! Or should that be, on guards? Vols’ offensive coordinator Randy Sanders said the game will be decided by UT’s guards and center. The team that has won the rushing battle has emerged victorious in 12 of the past 14 meetings. "It’s like baseball; you want to be strong up the middle,’’ Sanders said. "Two of Florida’s better players are their defensive tackles, and then you’ve got (Channing) Crowder in the middle.’’

Crowder and Gator defensive tackle Ray McDonald were selected to the FWAA/Scripps Freshman All-American team, and sophomore tackle Marcus Thomas is a handful.

It’s up to center Jason Respert and guards Rob Smith and Cody Douglas to control Florida’s interior trio.

"If we handle the tackles and middle linebacker, it makes them bring someone else (a safety) up,’’ Sanders said. "That opens up the pass.’’

For the rundown, click on the link to the PDF on the right.