This week’s edition of my ten predictions should be fun…
1) Austin Appleby will throw for 200+ yards. For starters, he’s got a stronger arm than Luke Del Rio. He may not be as familiar with McElwain’s offense, but lucky for him, he’s going up against a Tennessee defense that’s weak to begin with and is now missing starting cornerback Cam Sutton and starting linebackers Quart’e Sapp and Darrin Kirkland. The only defensive player of even adequate caliber is Jalen-Reeves Maybin, and if the offensive line does its job, Appleby should have a field day.
2) Multiple Gator running backs will score a touchdown. It’s impossible to predict a replication of last week’s feat where all four running backs rushed for over 45 yards and scored a touchdown, but the outlook is promising nonetheless. Bob Shoop’s defense has looked pedestrian at best this year, and Florida could run the ball at will tomorrow.
3) Josh Dobbs throws for less than 150 yards. How, exactly, Tennessee plans on gaining yards through the air is beyond me. Not only does Dobbs struggle to throw the ball, period, but he’s equipped with a terrible offensive line that appears to be in way over its collective head. Let’s see how well they block for him. And Florida’s cornerbacks aren’t too shabby, either. Test them if you dare.
4) Florida’s defense records at least three sacks. Because Florida’s defensive line is the best in the country and Tennessee’s offensive line is one of the worst.
5) Austin Appleby hits a deep bomb on the first or second drive of the game. Jim McElwain and Doug Nussmeier are two of the best play callers in the business, and against a defense that’s down its top corner, he’ll take advantage.
6) Austin Appleby throws an interception. As much as McElwain will simplify the offense, and as careful and cautious as Appleby may play, there’s always the worry about a miscommunication. When it happens, let’s just call it a growing pain and move on.
7) Tennessee gains 250 yards or fewer. For the same reasons as in predictions #3 and #4.
8) Eddy Pineiro will miss a field goal, but then make a more difficult one. Pure speculation on this one, though that’s exactly what happened against Kentucky.
9) Brandon Powell breaks a big one. Again, can someone remind me how the Vols are going to play defense? No Cam Sutton to cover Antonio Callaway, no Darrin Kirkland to anchor the middle level of the defense, and no real depth to speak of behind any of them. Last year, it was Callaway who reaped the rewards of a weak (and poorly coached) defense; this year, Powell will be the one to enjoy a highlight reel play against an even worse (albeit slightly better coached) defense.
10) Florida struggles early, and may even trail at halftime, but pulls away late. For a comparison, just like the 2012 game. Or like last year except the Gators don’t wait until midway through the fourth quarter to turn it on. Nerves will be high, and Tennessee will be playing with desperation, both to kill the streak and likely save their coach’s job. But at the end of the day, sheer talent volume wins.
Projection: Florida 24, Tennessee 10
