Alligator Alley

Lol.

I root for SEC teams not named Jorja in bowls game for our conference record. But I'm with you on this one. But to each, his/her own.

I will say that I'm rooting for aTm the rest of the way out because we've already beaten them. The more they win, the better it makes us look.

Apparently, I'm a bad sport compared to you. I have only rooted for the Vols to win one game ever and that was against FSU in the 98 NC game. I will never cheer for a rival unless the team they are playing needs to lose to help UF.

Here's my take. I know the strengths and weaknesses of my team, you know them of your team. We don't know them of each others as well as we think we do. So far this year, and of course it's only 2 games in, Tennessee has a higher rushing average than Florida, therefore we do in fact have a run game. Our QB is one of the best in the country. It's really just the truth. We have Justin Hunter, a projected first round pick, and Cordarrelle Patterson, a better WR than Darick Rogers, in my opinion. Last year, we had Darick for your game. Thats it. We literally had no run game and a combined 8-9 starts on the OL. But yet, we only lost by 10 points.

This year, We have a much matured Tyler Bray, JH and CP, along with three pretty talented RBs, and an OL with plenty of experience. On defense, we have Herman Lathers, AJ Johnson, and Curt Maggitt- three very aggressive LBs. A defensive tackle that could eat a train, and 4 experienced DBs.

Now on to who we have played. Tyler Bray picked apart NC States defense, who has an extremely highly favored CB in David Amerson. The defense picked off 4 INT's of a very talented QB in Mike Glennon. Yes, it was NC State. Are they, or do we think, they are the best team in the country? Absolutely not. The reason we are so excited about that W, is because nobody thought we would win, but we won. And not only did we win, we won in impressive fashion. Now, who's to say Texas A&M is that good? They went 7-6 last year and have a new coach this year? I dont think it's fair that you can praise the Gators over their semi-sloppy win against the Aggies, and act like our win against the Wolfpack was just a crappy easy win. If the Gators would have played NC State, based on their performance against Bowling Green, they probably would have lost.

So, all in all, I'm just trying to say, Tennessee isnt your "warm up" team anymore. Do I think Tennessee will win on Saturday? I don't know. It will be a good game. So, don't get too cocky.

So, if Mississippi State were matched up with Ohio State or Texas A&M were matched up with Miami, you'd cheer against the SEC team? Hasn't the SEC's performance out of conference contributed to its national image and therefore improved the SECC's chances of playing in NC games?

We were also playing multiple true freshmen in our secondary last year along with the zebras deciding that if someone so much as sneezed on a WR it was pass interference.

Even as a Vol fan, I thought that was excessive. How many calls went against Roberson, like 6-7?

+1 Great post... Sure you're a Vol? Did you go to Vandy and afraid to admit it so root for the Vols?

I'll give some perspective on your six points...
1 - Injuries. There was no drop in production with Jenkins (LB) gone and defense is still stout. Gilly is the biggest concern, my only real concern. I really, really hope he can go.

2 - UT Run Game. I would expect it to be improved. Last year Tenn had negative total rushing yards against a young Florida defense. This year, I still expect Florida to hold UT to fewer than 100. Rushing stats this year against Florida are inflated because of the competition Florida has played and the way Muschamp coaches. Its really important to understand that Champ and his staff are calling plays based on the competition they are facing. Florida will force Tenn to prove they can run and if they can't it'll be a long day...

3 - Pass Protection. TAMU's Oline was #1 in the country last season at protecting the passer (only allowed 4 sacks). TAMU has one of the best Olines in the country this year and Florida was successful against them. Now, they certainly didn't manhandle TAMU, but they won a lot of battles. Expect Florida's DLine to be VERY stout against Tennessee. Also, expect a lot of exotic blitzes on your immobile QB. Florida will disguise them and bring pressure from all over the place. Bray will get sacked, more than once, even with solid pass protection. With that said...

4 - QB Mobility. This is why Florida's defense and Dan Quinn are licking their chops. They are going to go after him, and hard... However, there is no doubt Bray is a great talent and has great receivers. That aggressiveness is going to burn Florida occasionally because of his talent. Bray is going to win that battle sometimes, but he may end up throwing a few INTs like last year. How much Florida's defense rattles him, remains to be seen. But, based on all the comments (players and coaches) after the past two games, this defense is VERY excited to play a team like Tennessee because they feel they match up VERY well against your offense.

5 - Special Teams. That does suck. We are very fortunate to have Sturgis and Christy has been much better punting the ball lately. I like our Special teams, the only thing Debose seems to be good at too.

6 - Florida Offensive Production vs Tennessee Defensive Transition. I'll reiterate, Champ's going to have his team calling plays they feel exploit the deficiencies of the team they are playing, not the same plays as the previous week. I can't predict the game plan, because I don't know what Pease will want to do (nor do most frankly). However, if Gilly is out (coach said today he'll be "fine" for the Tenn game) I expect to see a lot of Driskel carries, speed sweeps and creative ways of gaining yards on the ground. Gilly is by far our most important playmaker. I am very concerned at the prospect of playing without Gilly this week.

Florida's offense is still an enigma and trying to mold an identity as a power running team, but has not proven to have a legitimate downfield playaction threat. It's possible Pease allows Driskel to exploit Tenn with the playaction if the defense is cheating up, but he hasn't yet... However, It was proven, beyond the shadow of doubt, Champ has not shown all his cards on offense or defense and has done that specifically for games like this. Florida still has an element of surprise. They can do some things well they've never shown. Can Florida throw downfield? We might just see it on Saturday.

After my long winded response, here's the deal, I like Florida's chances in this game, I think we matchup very well and will come out on top. But, I can completely understand how a Vol would think differently, this is the best team Tennessee has had in 5-7 years, there is a lot to like about the team, and most think Florida is only capable of doing what they've shown. Regardless, this is shaping up to be the most highly anticipated UF-UT game in 7+ years and I can't freaking wait. Pretty sure its gonna be a good one!

I could understand your hate to a certain extent if it was Duke/UNC, MICH/ Ohio St or something of that nature. Does most of your hate come from obnoxious fans?

I live in Greenville SC and I HATE Clemson because of the fans around here.....

Nothing wrong with hating a rival though, dont get me wrong

Roberson vs Hunter/Patterson will be a good matchup. Both have height advantages over Roberson, but I think that's a little overrated. Seperation is what matters in a WR/DB battle.

My hate comes from deep within!!! For example, I hate Peyton Manning. Always will. Was introduced to him, wouldn't shake his hand. Not exactly sure why, but it felt real good. I think it may be the song, Rocky Top. It could be some of the fans from back in the day on the Rivals MB.

Roberson and Elam had two critical plays on back-to-back fade attempts at the end zone... great passes but both times they batted them down.

They will be in for it this weekend.

I've been poking my head around their board, and while they have generally been respectful, I did mention in one post that Bray wasn't as mobile as Manziel or Connor Show, and a Vol responded to the tune of "I never understand why Gator fans always discount our QB and WRs!!! You're in for a big surprise!!!"

Been drinking a little too much Bray-Patterson-Hunter Koolaid if you ask me.