Florida football: 5 Tennessee Volunteers to watch Saturday

While Florida football has had Tennessee’s number in The Swamp, it certainly hasn’t been easy as the last two games in Gainesville were decided on the last play of the game.

Say what you will about Tennessee, but they will likely bring their best shot Saturday when they face Florida football at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The Volunteers suffered an embarrassing home loss to Georgia State to start the season. They followed that with a 29-26 overtime loss to a BYU team that has proven to be better than people thought.

Now, they enter The Swamp Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener, looking to spoil Florida football’s perfect start to the season.

Here’s a look at five Volunteers to watch for Saturday afternoon:

COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 27: Jauan Jennings #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers scores a touchdown against Steven Montac #22 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Jauan Jennings, R-Sr. Wide Receiver

Jennings is a big threat to the Florida secondary. In the first three games of the season, Jennings has 12 catches for 208 yards and four touchdowns.

He ranked No. 11 on the all-time career touchdown receptions list for Tennessee with 14 — just four behind leaders Justin Hunter, Denarius Moore and Corey Fleming.

Jennings is a solid receiver that will demand double-coverage on passing situations. The Gators will need to keep a close eye, and body, on Jennings to avoid a big play.

Henry To’o To’o, Fr. Linebacker

To’o To’o is one of four true freshmen to start for the Volunteers. In fact, he has started all three games this season.

He leads the Volunteers in tackles with 17 and became the first true freshman to lead Tennessee in tackles in the season opener.

If the Florida offensive line struggles as it did against Kentucky, look for To’o To’o to make a big impact.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 14: Jarrett Guarantano #2 o the Tennessee Volunteers calls out to his players against the Chattanooga Mockingbirds at Neyland Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)

Jarrett Guarantano, R-Jr. Quarterback

Guarantano has taken the offense and made it his own.

He is the program leader for career completion percentage (62.7%), edging out even Peyton Manning and Heath Shuler.

Guarantano is third in the Southeastern Conference with seven touchdown passes after tossing three last week in the first half against UT-Chattanooga.

Look for the Gators to apply pressure to throw Guarantano and the Tennessee receivers off their game — forcing the Volunteers to run the football, something they have struggled with all season.

Ty Chandler, Jr. Running Back

Speaking of the Volunteers’ running game, Chandler picked up his second 150+ yard game two weeks ago in the overtime loss to BYU.

In the first three games of the season, Chandler has 248 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

If the Gators squeeze Guarantano and the Volunteers’ passing game, it will be on the shoulders of Chandler to work magic against a Florida defense allowing just 93.7 yards per game on the ground.

Darrell Taylor, Sr. Linebacker

To complement the freshman To’o To’o, Tennessee has senior linebacker, Darrell Taylor.

This season, Taylor has 10 tackles, a sack, two quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

Taylor will present a big challenge for the Florida football offensive line, which has not performed up to par in the first three games of the season.

No. 9 Florida football will host Tennessee at noon Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.