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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Monte Kiffin is in awe of the speed.
The Tennessee defensive coordinator can't come up with a suitable comparison for Florida's offense, and the coaching legend had no problem calling it the best he's ever seen, either.
But, apparently, preparing to stop the Gators and their high-powered attack for the first time today at The Swamp (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) hasn't robbed Kiffin of his sense of humor.
"I'd feel a lot better if it wasn't the University of Florida," Kiffin said. "It isn't just running the option, it's the guys that are running it with the jerseys.
"I think what they do at the University of Florida is, whatever you run the 100 meters in they give you that jersey number. Percy Harvin had 1, (Jeff) Demps wears 2 and (Chris) Rainey wears 3. So they way I look at it, Percy Harvin runs 10.1, then they're at 10.2 and 10.3 in the 100 meters - that's pretty fast. They ought to be a track relay team."
The Gators have been running circles around people for a while. Kiffin is well aware of what they're capable of doing, even if he joked that he started breaking down film of them only on Wednesday.
In reality, slowing down the defending national champions has been a priority almost since the day Kiffin arrived to help UT start its rebuilding effort. He inherited enough talent to give his famous Tampa-2 defense some teeth, but it's never been tested by anything like Florida's version of the spread.
"Well, the first thing you've got to do is just play really good, assignment football," Kiffin said. "You have to know your assignments because you have the dive, you have the quarterback and you have a pitch. It's been that way for years.
"You have to be disciplined because they do a lot of, at the snap of the ball, people are moving around and coming back in the backfield and things like that. That can be really distracting to you. If they're just standing still or something it's a little bit easier."
Florida doesn't figure to be stationary all that often, and after an uneasy offseason between the rivals, it also will be trying everything it can to make things as difficult as possible for the Vols.
With an assist from former UT coach Johnny Majors this summer, at its most basic, Kiffin sees a single-wing attack across the line of scrimmage today. And along with all the hours of film and a limited dry run against Western Kentucky, the Vols at least feel like they've got an idea of how to handle the spread.
"I mean, he's been looking at film on Florida since he got here," UT safety Eric Berry said. "He's been breaking down film for the longest time.
"We've just kind of got to look at what we did against Western Kentucky because they kind of did the spread thing. We put in some things for (Florida), some things that we hope will be successful against them, so we just have to wait and see."
The wait is over now.
But Kiffin is certain he's never seen anything quite like Florida.
"They've got speed and it's unbelievable," Kiffin said. "They've got a really, really good team, and I'm not just saying that. If you don't think they're a good team, then you don't know football.
"I've coached a long time, either college, high school or pro, and this team can flat get it, and they're well-coached. I've studied a lot of tape, a lot of tape, and they don't beat themselves very often."
That part, obviously, wasn't a joke.
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Comments » 44
panties4tebow writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
UrbanCryer writes:
adams didnt write this?
Down_The_Field writes:
the panties will be a hit in the european nfl next year.
TheBanker writes:
Tennessee's Defense is no joke. I am not conceding anything to those jort wearing, Earlin' Crier, biscuit bitin', class flunkin', gas bag MoFos.
BRING IT!!!!!
volsgrad90 writes:
Vols should do a few things to slow down UF. Just too many weapons to account for on Saturday. Hope for rain Vols fans and if we get a few breaks, maybe we can make this close. A game for some respect and feel we will get some on Saturday.
Go Vols and hit somebody!!!
UTfaninYankeeland writes:
I like your passion and fire compact1 but you need to slow down on whatever you are taking before you have a heart attack. By the way, no way we get blown out. Go Vols
pammyvol1000 writes:
Why does GVX continue to put pictures of Tebow on this website.. I would like to see our guys.
How many are with me on this one?
Volomatic writes:
Rocky Top
You'll Always Be
Home Sweet Home To Me
Good Ole Rocky Top
Rocky Top Tennessee
Rocky Top Tennessee
10Vol85 writes:
The thing about being a heavy underdog is the victory is that much sweeter. Also, UF doesn't have any excuses - can't say they weren't focused. I hope the team's been seeing all the disrespect they're getting in the press, etc. They should be motivated. Sick 'em Smokey.
TommyJack writes:
"Florida's offense is no joke". Great job, Ward.
crockett1836 writes:
What if LK threw the ucla game, to give uf over-confidence - Orgeron already thinks ahead of everyone else (meat market) but he implies that LK is even ahead of him. one real thought though, what if someone simply tags Tebow everyone time he hands that junior-high option off. how many rainey/demps touchdowns would Tebow like to view while on the ground. qb safety doesn't apply in option format, not sure why teams forget that. why do you think urban talks so highly of his backup qb? He might be doing that to ensure the other's safety.
halloffamebowler writes:
Are you really that sick?
RockinTop writes:
GoVolsxtra.com is a joke though.
I used to take an objective view of this site and it's writers. However, this site is clearly anything but Go Vols.
NoogaVol55 writes:
I just ran through my front door (it was closed) after reading your post...
War Time...Let's Take It OutSide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Adult beverages are ready.
# of which will depend on how this thing unfolds tomorrow.
Man up, Vols and bring it!
NoogaVol55 writes:
I agree PD, but if I may make one small change...
Either way win or lose, the # of adult beverages will be sky high!!
War Time...Let's Take it Outside!!!
kennypowers writes:
Win or lose, we booze! GO VOLS!
suttree writes:
We ARE going to eat 50 eggs tomorrow.
Go Vols. Find a way
1Big_Orange_Fan writes:
I'm sick of hearing ESPN whine for the Gayturs about a few 6 month old comments. Poor little reptiles...we put up with that phooey for years from Steve Superior. If we make a game of it or actually win they better give us our due but my guess is they would simply talk about what it would take for Florida to still make it to the title game.
I think CLK & daddy have a few tricks up their sleeve. We'll see tomorrow.
TheBanker writes:
Call it what you will. Whether I accept the label is my business.
I know that "Kiff the Ripper" is under that thick gator skin and I am enjoying it!!
I have full confidence in the Vol defense to deliver the "foot to a--"!!!!
Drink the Kool Aid!!!
99PairsOfJortsOnTheWall writes:
Nothing like some down home Tennessee PRIDE! Blitz Tebow, run Bryce, look for Stocker, Berry pick 6, and NO MISTAKES! Let's play the perfect game! GOVOLS!!
loyalvol_alltheway writes:
The real key to this game, in my opinion, is whether our offense can sustain some drives. The best way to slow down the Gators' offense is to keep them off the field.
I believe our defense is very solid. But if they only get a 3-and-out break (or worse, have to get back on the field after a quick turnover) we could be toast (burnt toast).
If our O-line can open some holes for Hardesty and Brown, and we can score touchdowns in the red zone, I really think we got a shot at the upset.
Another key is turnovers. If we limit ours to zero, and we can force a few from the Gators, I like our chances. In 1998, Tee Martin (bless him!) was something like 9 for 20 passing (if I remember correctly), but thanks to Al Wilson we forced at least 4 turnovers.
jphilli5#240013 writes:
Go for it gaters. the last man standing takes the money~
BlakeyWakey writes:
Well apparently ESPN thinks this game has already happend!! if anyone knows what I am talking about!!
rockytop#413695 writes:
Just heard the news from the UT Athletic Department. We sent an email to the UF AD saying we surrender and will not waist the University's money or the players time by showing up for this game. The whole world has already told us we are going to lose, well I believe "beat down" is the phrase used most often.
So, David, no use in taking your little sling shot out to face Goliath either. Everyone knows you can't win!
Doesn't it make us all sick to hear such phooey! Win or lose, I'm proud of what we are going to do tomorrow in the swamp. I guarantee at least one Gator will feel the pain inflicted by a Tennessee Vol. Just hope it's Teblow. Thanks Kiffin for restoring the pride. Take no prisoners.
DannyVol writes:
Amen, Pammy! These clowns have been in love with Tebow since his sophomore year.
10Vol85 writes:
I heard Coach Kiffin will be teaching a journalism class. It begins at 2:30 tomorrow. We'll see who gets schooled. Go Vols!
xvolx writes:
no kidding.
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
I had a vision of a wounded warrior wearing a coonskin cap and eating roasted gatortail after an epic struggle, and his name was..... Crompatition.....John Crompatition
Alwaysavol writes:
Wrong. Tennessee was 0-4 against Florida while Manning was here. Football is a team game - one man never won or lost a single football game. This whole thing of keeping quarterbacks' won-lost records like they were baseball pitchers is absurd.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Been there once myself; they are over the top obnoxious and arrogant with there childish chomp clap; as compared to FSU fans who are classy and very friendly...Good luck in your quest!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Nice post; Look for Stocker is RIGHT; In a 2 TE set he should be able to find open space which will help the running game.
Barneyvol writes:
I told the witch doctor, "I want a win against F U, and he said"-- Ummm, me sorry most honorable witch doctor for such light in loafer song quote, but not for request. Please refrain from any voodoo / black magic on me (a faithful follower of Brother Kiffen's program)--- but lay that hoodoo on thick on dem nasty lizards.
seaplane#216536 writes:
Being a Florida Vol is like going before the parole board. Chances of "gettin out" are real slim, then it's back to prison for another year. Break us out of this damn prison down here. Go Vols!
T4TN writes:
We're doomed!
volatil writes:
I've got a joke, Whats the difference between God and Urban Meyer?
volatil writes:
GOD does'nt think he's Urban Meyer!
GBO
doubledown writes:
I think Kiffin at the pre-game handshake with Myer should ask the Gators not to run the score up if the game gets out of hand in the 2nd half. Then by the time the cobwebs clear on the UF side, Tennessee's offense might finally be in the game and score enough TD's to beat the gators.
In Gainesville, GO VOLS
seventysevenvol writes:
Amazing how the comments get more bizarre as the night went on Friday...some serious drinking and loud bravado. Here's my take: Florida and UT are sky high. Pads will pop and after the first couple of series, barring a big play by Florida, things will settle down. Florida hasn't played a D-1 team yet- haven't seen the size and speed this year. That adjustment will help the Vols initially. At least UT has gone up against UCLA which will help them. At the end of the day, I'm seeing a much closer game than most:
Florida 24
UT 10
DAGW4Vols writes:
I hear ya brother been living in J-ville all my life besides going to school. I hope the D can slow them up enough 4 the offence 2 stay in the game? If not another long year!! AND WHATS REALLY BAD IS- all my friends i grew up with are gayters
Chomp writes:
Rumor has it that your girlfriend ordered a pair of Tebow panties and is so proud of them that she shows them off at work.
2407westTN_VOLSfan writes:
77Vol - missed it by | | that much! One thing for sure, TeBlows TD consecutive game streak came to an end. Also the difference was a lot less than the 30 point blow out predicted. I feel that Coach K has UT on the right track. His comment - "they have to come to Neyland next year!" It will be a better outcome with the new recruits we have coming in. The VOLS did not quit during this game! Something that happened the last couple of years. The Gators know they have been in a football game and survived. Monte has laid the plans for how to defeat Florida. If we had an better offense, we could have done it. Our banged up offensive line did a good job of stopping the defense of Florida. All in all, I am proud of the big Orange and feel that better things are on the way. I loved it when he told the CBS reporter he could not hear what she was saying because the band was playing Rocky Top!
JoeVols writes:
Tebow's blue jean shorts are no joke... They really aren't, according to him...
Random_Gator writes:
Good game.
As a Tampa Bay fan I have been a big fan of Monte's for a long time and expected a great defensive game from UT. He didn't disappoint. I cannot say I care too much for his son's mouth, but I will admit that he is a talented coach. I expect next years game to be the game of the year for the SEC.
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