Run the Football
Traditionally, the team that rushes the ball for the most yards has won this football game. Although the rushing numbers haven’t been indicative of who has won the football game in the past three games, I believe the team who has more success running the football on Saturday will win.
Tennessee has to be able to run the football against Florida, and it starts up front. I’m confident in all four of Tennessee’s running backs – Tim Jordan, Ty Chandler, Madre London, and Jeremy Banks. All four are capable of having big games, but they won’t if the offensive line isn’t more consistent when run-blocking.
On one snap, Jahmir Johnson and Jerome Carvin will have a great block at guard, but then they’ll follow it up the next play with a whiff. Drew Richmond and Ryan Johnson have also struggled mightily through three games, but that can all be forgiven with a big game against the Gators. The offensive line has struggled in the first quarter of every game this season before settling in and being fairly productive for the remainder of the game. Against Florida, led by Trey Smith, the o-line needs to get out to a strong start.
The opportunity for one of Tennessee’s four backs to have a big game will present itself. Each back does a great job of making a three-yard gain a six-yard gain. This bodes well going up against a Florida defense that struggles to make tackles.
