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Game Info
Time: 3:30 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
TV: WVLT (CBS)
Radio: WIVK-FM 107.7, WNML-AM 990/FM 99.0, WNRX-FM 99.3 (Vol Network)
Line: Florida by 30
Gametime forecast: Partly cloudy, 88 degrees. Isolated thunderstorms
AP Featured Game
AP Top 25 College Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- In a college football series that has had more than its share of intriguing story lines, today's annual Tennessee-Florida showdown here at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium adds an unexpected angle.
No. 1 Florida, a 281/2 -point favorite after a 2-0 start in a couple of nonconference laughers, is starting its run toward its third national championship in four years.
The unranked Vols, 1-1 with a new coach trying to keep his starting quarterback from self-destructing, is merely looking for week-to-week improvement.
Translation: If you're a Tennessee fan hoping for a miracle, better whip out the DVD of the Vols' 2001 win in Gainesville, a 34-32 conquest over the No. 2 Gators in a game postponed to December because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Tennessee was an 18-point underdog that day. But the Vols were also No. 5 in the nation and 9-1 entering a game that produced one of former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer's biggest wins.
New Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin has no illusions of pulling a monumental upset, not after losing last week 19-15 to UCLA, with the Vols committing four turnovers, three via quarterback Jonathan Crompton interceptions.
"I look at their defense, at their 11 starters, and I think you have 11 NFL players," Kiffin said of the Gators. "I would think they're maybe the most talented defense to ever play and maybe the best quarterback (Tim Tebow) to ever play college football."
So far this season, Tennessee's defense is actually giving up fewer yards than Florida. The Vols are ranked first in the SEC and third nationally in total defense (134.5 yards per game). Florida is seventh in the league.
But the Vols haven't seen an offense this young season -- and probably won't all year -- as complete as the Gators.
Florida is first nationally in scoring offense and first in total offense, averaging 59 points and 643.5 yards.
Despite the return of senior quarterback Tebow, regarded as maybe the best player in SEC history, Florida coach Urban Meyer had some preseason concerns about his defending national champions.
It didn't concern his personnel, but rather a coaching staff shuffle when Meyer lost offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dan Mullen to Mississippi State as head coach.
Mullen was replaced by Gators' offensive line coach Steve Addazio as offensive coordinator, and Meyer hired Scot Loeffler as quarterbacks coach.
"We had a couple of new coaches in the press box and we do things a certain way on game day," Meyer said. "But so far it has been very good."
And some of the few holes that the Gators had on offense, either from graduation losses or an underclassman jumping to the NFL, have been filled.
It all starts with Tebow and nobody knows that better than Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Today marks the first time in SEC history that the reigning league offensive and defensive players of the year collide.
"The main thing is to not focus on Tebow, but focus on your keys," Berry said. "We all have roles in this defense and we have to play them. When you go outside of your role, it puts everyone else in jeopardy."
Tebow doesn't care about point spread. He'd rather revel in the rivalry.
"It's been a big game ever since I was little, watching (Tennessee QB Peyton) Manning, (Florida QB Danny) Wuerffel, and all of those guys play in this game and how big of a game it was and how much that affected the momentum for the rest of their season," Tebow said.
-- Ron Higgins: 529-2525
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Softball: Tennessee 2, Georgia 1
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 75
utvolz#637682 writes:
LET'S GO VOLS!
HowboutdemVOLS writes:
Believe in ur team mates and dont bow down no matter what to the Gators!...Win or lose even if its by 50 I will all ways love my VOLS.... LETS GO!!!!! Beat Florida!!!!!................GO VOLS!!!!
doubledown writes:
It's nice and cool and windy this morning in Florida.. clear as a bell, not a cloud in the sky. GO VOLS
Psychovol writes:
The reason the Gators and the media is so hyped is that they know that UT is the team of the future. The Gators reign is peaking and will turn downward as the Vols are getting better and moving up where they belong.
TDTN writes:
Coach Kiffen, even if we lose by 75 points, pull the team together in the locker room and sing Rocky Top as loud as you can after the game. Let the punk florida players and fans hear our pride and give them a year to think about what waits for them in Knoxville in 2010. Physcovol is right. We are meeting florida on the ladder. they are on the way down and we are climbing up. Hang in there Crompton and just do your best. Fight to the end. Hold your heads up and sing Rocky Top when its over, win or lose!
chargervol writes:
To all of the idiot trolls on here, Kiffin has gotten national attention. You will say because of his statements that make him look foolish. But, look at it again, he has done everything he has said he would do. The part of the comment he made about "Singing Rocky Top" all night long after whooping your gators in the national spotlight is funny. He then went on to say he was kidding that Hamilton told him to say it. And, so, the Vols are getting even more national attention. Jamie Newberg has said don't be surprised if the Vols pull in the number 1 recruiting class for 2010, that is what Orgeron and Kiffin do. So much for the talent gap in another year. I believe florida will be replacing 15 starters next season, and I know gator fans believe they won't miss a beat. They are right, they will get beaten at least 3 games next year, its gonna happen. That's just the viscious cycle of college football. It happens to the best and most solid programs, and, it is gonna happen to the gators. Those are simply the facts. The Vols will be back on top and they will enjoy their run of success. Hopefully, when they do, Vol fans won't be as ignorant as gator trolls(not fans), and go on to gator boards with diarhea of the mouth like the gator trolls do, classless. For the gator fans that come on this site to actually talk football, and not talk chit, thank you for taking the higher road. GO VOLS!!!
TommyJack writes:
Ineffindeed.
tennman65 writes:
I agree what ever happens today, win or lose, we are the Vol nation. Everyone hold your heads high, keep your hearts strong and your belief in a bright future for Tennessee stronger than ever.
GBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lmvolfan writes:
I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THIS DEFEATED ATTITUDE! THIS IS THE MINDSET FULMER HAS INSTILLED IN THE PLAYERS AND THE FANS! WHEN YOU HAVE THE DEFENSE WE HAVE, ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN! THEY HAVE NEW COACHES AND NEW PLAYERS, YES TALENTED, BUT CHEMISTRY BETWEEEN PLAYERS AND COACHES IS IMPORTANT! MAYBE DAN MULLEN'S REPLACEMENT IS NOT AS GOOD! GO VOLS!
beatfla2009 writes:
You guy's are unreal, I love it I think, I see some of the same screen names making some positive post, being kind people, and talking like true Vol fans, it gives me hope, win or lose.
I actually feel like I can post without someone pick on my puncuation, which is about as productive as bashing Crompton, I hope you guys are possimistic, lol this is not a word yet it may be in the webster's soon,lol.
keep up the good work, please I challenge all rhe people that proclaim to be a vols fan, record the game, on your dvr or however you can and see the truth before you slam evrybody on the team before you read the facts that come easier for some people to see, and remember every year no matter how good we are we will most likely lose a football game,
Geagia was @ 1 last year I explained to some of my GA. friends and fans not to get their hopes up as they would lose 3 to 4 games last year, am I a profit no, i simpy have a gift oe understand football, and studied their team just like when UT was ranked @ 1 with a 2nd year Q-b and a defense that was not as good as the year before I told my friends it was not going to happev, this year USC,again ranked high and I have said they would lose two games weel that may change as the true freshman q-b I had counted on losing those two games is hurt this actually can help USC, sure they beat an overanked Ohio State team, bur he was not going to be the comeback kid for them evry game, antway go Vols try to be fans even if we lose today, do not act like we are all bi-polar but do not undereastimate are team, we can beat florida it will not be luck we will make big plays and hope we are not to banged up on the offensive line that is where we will be hurting the most, i hope they get healthy in the swamp.
beatfla2009 writes:
Another cheap shot to Coach FULMER YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THE GUY YOU WHERE POSTING ABOUT, TRY TO TO BE A REAL FAN PUT DOWN YOUR STRAW OR BEER AND GO INTO REHAB TODAY BEFORE IT IS TO LATE!
Chomp writes:
I'm in Gainesville and it's anything but nice, cool and windy. It's hot and humid with a chance of rain this afternoon.
volatil writes:
It's time to "Rally round the family with a pocket full of shells!" Go to hell FLA.
beatfla2009 writes:
LOL, WELL IT IS TIME TO GET INTO GAMEDAY AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL, GO VOLS HOPE FOR THE BEST BUT BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST IT MAY HELP SOME OF YOU DEAL WITH REALITY
lmvolfan writes:
IN CASE YOU DIDN'T NOTICE, FULMER'S RECORD AGAINST FLORIDA WAS HORRIFIC! THAT IS WHY UT FANS HAVE SUCH A DEFEATED ATTITUDE! IN FACT FULMER HAD A LOOSING RECORD AGAINST EVERYBODY THAT WAS ANYBODY (MEYER, SPURRIER, SABAN, MILES, RICHT AND BOWL GAMES! GO VOLS!
Chomp writes:
"I look at their defense, at their 11 starters, and I think you have 11 NFL players," Kiffin said of the Gators. "I would think they're maybe the most talented defense to ever play and maybe the best quarterback (Tim Tebow) to ever play college football."
It's too late Lane.
To you Tennessee fans. This is not about singing Rocky Top all night long as much as it is about Kiffin calling Meyer a cheater.
If someone called your mother a name it would make you mad, and that's what has happened here. Kiffin said this morning that he doesn't believe anything he has said created this atmosphere ... you've got to be kidding me!!! Maybe the new term should be "you've got to Kiffing me".
Don't take this butt kicking personal UT fans. This is going to take place in honor of your coach.
Be back after the game.
I'm headed to the Swamp, where only the Gator gets out alive!
REVOL writes:
The Gators have the media so blind that they cannot see the facts.
The Gators are talented and deep. But, they have played 2 cupcakes and are still 7th in the SEC in total defense. They have not been hit yet. If you watch some of those passes that the Gators completed on the patsies they have played, our secondary must be drooling. Anyone who doesn't think the Vols will compete is a fool. We have the best 2 running backs in the game.We may also have the better receivers. We have the best dback in college football. Cunningham looks much improved, as do the coverage teams. Hate to go too Johnny Majors on ya, but, if we can establish the run, play swarming defense and not turn the ball over, we can beat Florida or anybody else.
It's great to be a Tennessee Vol! Go Vols! Beat the Gators!
beatfla2009 writes:
yEAH FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE i WOULD GUESS THAT IS HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE, i AM OUT AFTER THIS AS i WANT TO GET INTO MY FOOTBALL MOLD, ANYWAY HOW ABOUT PLAYING FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1997, AND WINNING IT IN 1998, WHERE YOU A FAN THEN, SEE I DO NOT REMEMBER TENNESSEE A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE FULMER WAS THE COACH MAYBE YOU WHERE A FAN FOUR THE ONE BEFORE FULMER OR ARE A NEW FAN OR YOU ARE JUST A GLASS HALF EMPTY KIND OF GUY WILL WAIT AROUND FOR 5 MINUTES TO GIVE YOU THE LAST WORD, GOOD LUCK
OldNumber7 writes:
You know what it is to me? It's about a spoiled brat coach harassing Richardson during his visit to Knoxville. It's like his girlfriend went out with another guy and in fear of losing he decided to try and ruin the evening. Right?
Anyway, let's hope for a good day. And whether you are a Gator or Vol, Dan Proctor's cartoon is excellent!
beatfla2009 writes:
GOOD POST
loyalvol_alltheway writes:
The way I see it, the Vols CAN'T LOSE today.
Here's why:
If Florida wins by 50, that's what everyone expected anyways.
If UT keeps it close, then recruits and media start saying, "Kiffin can coach up his players who obviously aren't as talented across the board as Florida."
If UT wins... "Rocky Top all night long"!
Strange as it sounds, Kiffin's snarky comments have actually put Florida in the situation of anything less than a monstrous beat-down of the Vols today will be seen as sign of the Vols soon resurgence.
So in the long run, the Vols won't lose today, even if we don't win the game.
volatil writes:
I cant even understand this.
beatfla2009 writes:
YOU ARE RIGHT, YOU MUST BE A LADY, YOU SEEM TO HAVE CLASS!!!!!!!
beatfla2009 writes:
Good post just checking to see if you would slam me, you actually just smacked me on the hand, I will give you credit for now. I am out.
volatil writes:
GBO
beatfla2009 writes:
Was not trying to be rude looked at your screen name wrong, I thought it was ladyvol, either way a good post hope we all have somthing to cheer about after the game and it does look like rain, and for the people say that we have a better chance to win if it rains is such a false statement we will have a better chance if it clears up.
Cldvols1 writes:
Vols walk out of The Swamp victorious, leaving the Gayder nation sobbing and wondering what the he11 just happened!
crimsonviper writes:
Whatever happens happens.I suspect the Vol defense will suprise many today.
Fight all day, give it all they have,and leave it all on the field,and they will walk away with the kind of pride that will make champions one day. Give'em He!! and Go Vols!
usnavyvol writes:
Shut your pie hole chump. How about the ole ball coach and his famous "you can't spell Citrus wihout UT". Makes me sick to think that as far as UF is concerned it's ok to talk phooey but god forbid someone talks phooey back to you. You can't take it, you cry and get your AD Jeremy involved and you all cry bloody Mary. Get over it. Don't worry it's not personal, We don't forget either. Just don't like the Gutter Nation
UT class of 93'......GO VOLS
beatfla2009 writes:
Bad post, go vols they can beat Florida.
beatfla2009 writes:
For the football fans Cal., vs Minn good team Cal, could be a top ten team, SEE YA
REVOL writes:
Exactly right. Unless it's 75-0, the Gators don't live up to the hype. If the Vols lose by 21 or less, it's nearly as good as a win. And if they win, Katy bar the door! Recruits will be leaving the state in groves! Recruiting wars are what has Meyer concerned. He could care less what Kiffin says, but it scares him to death that the Vols are being so agressive recruiting in his backyard. Especially, with success before Kiffin ever even fielded a team.
Go Vols! Beat the Gators!
JoeVols writes:
3-1 odds that Tebow arrives to the game wearing blue jean shorts..
newtonrail writes:
I have several friends in Hamben County. Thank goodness, you aren't one of them. This is a football article, Half Empty.
pammyvol1000 writes:
Go Vols!! Stomp some gator tail!!!!!!!!!!!
Rocky Top you'll always be.. home sweet home to meeeeee... good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee!!!!!! Go Vols Go!!!!!!!!!
blitzshoot writes:
and a red tank top with a necklace....LOL
the10sevol writes:
"If someone called your mother a name it would make you mad, and that's what has happened here."
urban is your mom?
GBO
the10sevol writes:
thanks, cv. looks like the tide is cruising against ntsu (14-0 in early 2nd q and driving again). i like this new sec network thing.
GBO
VolunteerLifer writes:
When the day comes that you renounce your coaching icon, Steve Spurrier, for his insults toward us I will believe your sincerity. Meanwhile, since the loumouthed, smartmouthed Spurrier is your coaching icon, I call you a hypocrite and an insincere fan. You apparently fail to realize that with a coach like spurrier in your hall of fame, you have no standing to be offended by insults hurled at your coach. None. Especially when the insult comes from institution that spurrier spent most of his time hurling his insults.
The bottom line is: When it comes to smack talk, Florida has alot of it coming to them, and justifiably so.
volsgirl writes:
GO VOLS
Vol_in_Mich writes:
DeltaCharlie on his way to the game.
http://i43.tinypic.com/15z3ya1.jpg
GO VOLS!!!
Kiffin_fan writes:
Excellent post!!!! I couldn't agree with you more. Go Vols!!! Give your all for Tennessee today.
VolFanInTheBoro writes:
Are you saying Urbie is your mother?
tennman65 writes:
You need to watch the kinds of potions you're cooking up these days doc! That's is one scary (and hilarious) vision
chargervol writes:
I think he's chomped on meyer so much he may have got strangled on urban's teet! GO VOLS!!!
tennman65 writes:
I don't know how every one else feels, but I think it's a great day to be a Vol! We're not going to back down from any one else ever again
Go4Two writes:
Anyone heard the rumor that we are wearing Orange today. Going to take a 15 yard flag to start the game.
chargervol writes:
gators can't walk, all they can do is belly-crawl and roll over. Thems is the facts. Hey Witch Doctor, keep them bones a rollin'. We're still in it. The score is 0-0. I say let the Vols unleash some mighty big hits today. GO VOLS!!!
volstokke writes:
Go Vols! Lets give the Gators all than can handle every snap of the game.
CRFVols writes:
Let's say a prayer and GO VOLS!
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