Tennessee vs. Florida NCAA Football Preview
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium – Gainesville, FL
When: Saturday, September 16, 2017, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Tennessee Volunteers (+5) vs. Florida Gators (-5) – view all 2017 NCAA Football lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
College Football News and Previews
- Ohio State vs. Rutgers NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Clemson vs. Virginia Tech NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
- Arizona State vs. Stanford NCAA Football Preview - September 30, 2017
Betting on the Tennessee Volunteers (+5)
After question marks about the new-look Tennessee offense, the Vols have gone out and topped 40 points in each of their first two games to start the season 2-0. Granted, they needed two overtimes to beat Georgia Tech 42-41, but they had a much more comfortable time disposing of Indiana State last week, 42-7.
New starting quarterback Quinten Dormady has seemingly settled into the role well. He went 13-of-18 for 194 yards and had two touchdowns against the Sycamores. Meanwhile, star back John Kelly followed up his outstanding 163-yard, four-touchdown effort against the Yellow Jackets with 140 yards from scrimmage against Indiana State.
That offense will get its first real test in the form of Florida, but should be able to move the ball some with their balanced attack.
On the other end, the Tennessee defense didn’t look too impressive when it came up against a capable offense in Georgia Tech. But with how the Gators offense has struggled once again this season, the Vols should be able to find some success on that side of the ball.
Betting on the Florida Gators (-5)
With Hurricane Irma causing the cancellation of Florida’s game with Northern Colorado, the lone point of reference anyone has of Florida through three weeks was their 33-17 loss to Michigan.
The Gators offense, which was missing several key contributors on that side of the ball due to suspension, could hardly muster anything against a retooled Michigan defense. Feleipe Franks started at quarterback, but transfer Malik Zaire ended up nearly doubling Franks’ pass attempts, 17-9.
Meanwhile, the running game was completely nonexistent without top back Jordan Scarlett. Taking away Zaire’s lost yardage due to sacks, the Gators had just 40 rushing yards.
With Scarlett as well as receiver Antonio Callaway still unlikely to return to the lineup, the Florida offense could continue to struggle doing much of anything.
That means the defense will still need to do much of the heavy lifting for Florida to get the win. But with two weeks of rest and the depth restored following the suspension of some players in Week 1, the Gators D should be primed and ready to get after the Vols.
Florida has won its last six home games against Tennessee, but is just 3-2-1 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
Florida finds a way to grind out the 21-17 win at home, but Tennessee (+5) keeps it close and covers.
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