Florida has dominated Tennessee over the last decade and a half, winning 13 of the last 14 meetings, including the last two. These games have mostly been close, though. Discounting last season’s 47-21 shellacking, the previous four meetings have been decided by a grand total of 18 points.
As Jeremy Pruitt enters his second season in Knoxville, don’t be surprised if Tennessee is one of the most improved teams in college football in 2019. The Volunteers showed signs of life at some points of last season, most notably earning a win over Auburn, but they still finished shy of bowl eligibility. This season, Pruitt has a recruiting class coming in full of blue-chip prospects and the most returning production in the SEC.
Under new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, the Vols should take a big step forward offensively. There’s talent all over the two-deep, led by rising junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. Running back Ty Chandler and receivers Marquez Calloway, Josh Palmer, and Jauan Jennings highlight a deep group of skill-players, and if Trey Smith is healthy in 2019 then Tennessee’s offensive line could take a big step forward.
If Pruitt can get the defense to take a step forward after finishing 49th in the country last season, then Tennessee could be a sneaky sleeper pick in the SEC East. I don’t expect the Vols to actually win the East, but they could relish the role of spoiler and take a leap up the standings that a lot of people might not expect.
Florida will benefit from this game being played in The Swamp. While Tennessee should take a big step forward, it’s still probably a year away from serious contention in the Eastern division. Don’t be shocked if this game is closer than you might thing, though.
Pick: Florida 23, Tennessee 16 (4-0, 2-0)