Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers: Q&A with All For Tennessee

It’s Tennessee week and that means we get to go behind enemy lines with our sister site, All For Tennessee. Zach Ragan, the lead editor for the site, was gracious enough to answer some of our questions. Does he think this is the year the Vols finally top the Gators?

Hail Florida Hail: It’s been 9 years since the Vols have beaten the Gators. What makes this year’s Tennessee team more equipped to come out with a win?
All For Tennessee: Tennessee’s had teams good enough to beat Florida over the past nine seasons, but the Gators have simply had the Vols’ number. I think the Vols are a more talented team than they were a year ago. They have a quarterback that’s a true leader, something they haven’t had for all of their matchups against Florida.

HFH: QB Justin Worley’s had a pretty good start to the season. What’s the difference between year’s past and this year?
AFT: In a word — confidence. Worley admitted at Tennessee’s media day that he wasn’t a leader last season and that he was a bit timid at times. There’s no doubt no that this is his team. The talent’s always been there, he just wasn’t in a good situation. He was learning a new offense last season, as well as taking over the starting quarterback position. That’s a lot, especially considering the turmoil surrounding the program. He’s finally settled down and taken control of the team.

HFH: Tennessee had to replace every lineman on both sides of the ball. How would you rate the new lineman’s performances so far?
AFT: I actually think the defensive line has improved. They still struggle to generate a pass rush at times, but they’re playing better than last year’s underachieving defensive line.

The offensive line, on the other hand, is a major work in progress. The Vols are starting two true freshmen on the right side of the line. That youth shows itself in an ugly way at times (just look at the Oklahoma game). They’re getting better, but they still have a LONG way to go.

HFH: What’s the Vols biggest strength?
AFT: The passing game. The Vols have playmakers at the wide receiver position and Worley is playing the best football of his career. He still misses on some throws at times, but in general he takes care of the football and is making the tough throws.

HFH: What’s UT’s biggest weakness?
AFT: The offensive line and the run game.

The run game is improving, but they’re still not eating up large chunks of yards on first/second down.

HFH: Name three impact players for the game and why.
AFT:

LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin — He’s playing at a high level and it’ll likely be up to him to contain Jeff Driskel. JRM needs to have a great game for the Vols to win.

DB Cam Sutton — Each and every game it seems like Sutton makes a play that makes folks just shake their head. He’s the closest thing the Vols have had to a shutdown defensive back since Eric Berry was in town.

RB Jalen Hurd — No matter how good the Vols’ passing game is, they’ll have to run the ball to win. True freshman Hurd is improving and is living up to the five-star hype so far.

HFH: Fans are fired up. What are the plans for Checker Neyland and do you think it provides an advantage?

AFT: There’s a website (checkerneyland.com) where fans can find out which color they need to wear to the game. I think it will add to an already fantastic gameday experience. Some fans are worried about the noon kickoff, but UT fans have no problem getting up for a game against Florida.

HFH: Give me your game prediction, including a final score.

AFT: I think the Vols finally pull it off. These are two programs in two different places right now. Florida certainly has the talent to win easily, but Tennessee is the same team they were for the past couple of matchups. I have the Vols winning 30-21.