The head-to-head stat rankings suggest that Saturday could be a long day for both the Tennessee offense and the Tennessee defense. The overall game plan should probably be to slow the game down to hopefully shorten it and make it more of a low-scoring contest.
The offense needs to make the most of first downs (its one legit advantage) and should probably focus on the run game to both eat the clock and avoid interceptions.
The defense should help slow the game down by making Florida take as much time as possible to score. You don’t want to play prevent all game long, but you do want to make sure the Gators don’t score quickly by getting behind you. If you shorten the game and thereby limit the scoring, you’re more likely to be within striking distance late.
When the Vols have the ball
Where’s the opportunity?
First down. A mediocre Gators’ defense appears to have an advantage over a struggling Vols’ offense everywhere except on first down, where Tennessee has a slight edge.
Where’s the danger?
While the Gators’ defense is generally better than the Vols’ offense in nearly every aspect, there’s a HUGE disparity in red zone success and scoring in general. There’s also great danger for the Vols on third downs and in throwing interceptions. Frankly, it just looks like a long day for the Tennessee offense unless they’ve figured something out over the past few weeks.
Gameplan for the Vols on offense
Make the most of first downs. Run the ball, both because you can’t throw an interception that way and because it slows down the game. Hope for some luck in the form of turnovers along the way.
Vols on defense
Where’s the opportunity?
The Gators are a passing team and not especially good running the ball. As good as their passing attack is, they do have a tendency to throw some interceptions.
Where’s the danger?
If they don’t throw interceptions, the Gators are lethal through the air and on third downs against good defenses, and the numbers suggest it will be especially easy for them against a Vols’ defense struggling against the pass.
Gameplan for the Vols on defense
Keep everything in front of you. Yards in front of you are better than yards behind you. Give them short yardage and make the journey to the end zone a long one with plenty of stops.
Special teams
The Vols could make something of what appears to be an opportunity in the return game. Both teams have good punters, although Florida probably doesn’t use theirs nearly as often.
Turnovers and penalties
This looks like both teams are equally likely to give the ball away, but Florida is more likely to take the ball from its opponents.
