Tennessee at Florida Preview: 3 key matchups in SEC East showdown

Sep 5, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) breaks up a pass intended for Bowling Green Falcons tight end Derek Lee (83) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 59-30. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Offensive Line vs. Tennessee Defensive Line

One of the biggest reasons for optimism surrounding Tennessee in the off-season was a defensive line that had the potential to be one of the best in the nation. The Vols returned both Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt at defensive end after each collected double-digit sacks in 2014, and the interior defensive line was talented and deep.

Unfortunately, that depth took a hit when nose guard Danny O’Brien was suspended prior to the Oklahoma game. Then, Maggitt suffered a freak injury during the 31-24 overtime loss to the Sooners. Corey Vereen has stepped in and performed well as a starter in Maggitt’s absence, but the loss of Maggitt hurts because the Vols miss both his pass rushing ability and his leadership.

On a positive note, O’Brien is back in action. The junior has missed the past two games, and was sorely missed against Oklahoma not only because the Vols missed his production, but O’Brien’s absence showed in the fourth quarter as a tired Vols defense squandered a two-touchdown lead and fell in overtime.

It’s difficult to say how much O’Brien will play (he only started practicing again Monday), but his presence will surely be felt Saturday. At the very least, O’Brien beefs up an interior defensive line rotation that currently features Owen Williams, Shy Tuttle, Kendall Vickers and Kahlil McKenzie.

As much uncertainty as there is surrounding the Tennessee defensive line, the Florida offensive line is even more difficult to gauge. Despite relying on the same group of five starting linemen this year, the Gators still have one of the youngest and most experienced O-Lines in the country. Coming into the season, only senior left guard Trip Thurman had started a game at all after making ten starts in 2014. That was the lowest total for an offensive line unit in the SEC, and only Florida State and Toledo had fewer returning starts along the offensive line.

So far this season, Florida has gained 170 rushing yards per game against defenses that are mediocre at best. Last week against Kentucky, Florida had only 120 rushing yards, and quarterback Will Grier led the team with 61 yards.

For Florida to win Saturday, the Gators need to keep the ball out of the hands of the Tennessee offense, and that means picking up consistent yardage on the ground to move the chains. Therefore, the offensive line needs to play its best football of the season against Tennessee.

Next: Tennessee WR vs. Vernon Hargreaves III