It’s been a long time coming, but Tennessee finally beat Florida. The Gators had an 11 game winning streak over Tennessee coming into this game, and College Gameday was in town for this one. Knoxville and Neyland Stadium were rocking for this one, and the fans were ready to get the monkey off their back against Florida. The Vols came out in their smokey grey uniforms in front of a stadium that was “checker boarded” orange and white. It wasn’t an easy start but it ended well for Tennessee.
Florida would take a 21-0 lead in the second quarter and went to halftime with a 21-3 lead. The offense for Tennessee was moving the ball decently against a stout Florida defense, but dropped passes and inefficient red zone offense was hurting Tennessee. However, when the second half started, it was all Tennessee.
Josh Dobbs found Jalen Hurd all alone for a 23 yard touchdown pass to make it 21-10. Tennessee fans were hoping for a comeback, similar to the Georgia game a year ago. After a a couple more defensive stops from the Volunteers, Dobbs found Ethan Wolf for a huge 20 yard touchdown pulling the Vols to within four, 21-17. At this point, Neyland Stadium came to life. After another three and out by Florida, The Vols got the ball back in the beginning of the fourth, and Dobbs found Jauan Jennings all alone for an incredible 67 yard touchdown score. The assembled Vols faithful were in full frenzy seeing Tennessee take the lead for the first time over Florida 24-21, erasing a 21 point deficit.
It wouldn’t get any better for the Gators, this time an interception, giving the ball back to Tennessee. Dobbs would quickly find Josh Malone for a 42 yard touchdown pass. The Gators would go three and out, yet again giving Tennessee a chance to put the game away. Dobbs would scramble for a five yard touchdown after a steady drive. Florida would finally get a first down midway through the fourth quarter, their first one of the second half, and score to make it 38-28. But it was too late for the Gators.
Tennessee finally got the monkey off their back against Florida. This was an impressive win considering the Florida defense was considered one of the nation’s best. The Vols offense consistently moved the ball, especially in the second half as Florida looked tired and confused. How about Tennessee’s defense? Florida found success against Tennessee’s defense in the first half, but not in the second half. That was a totally different story. Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop made effective adjustments and even without Cameron Sutton and Jalen Reeves-Maybin on defense the Vols absolutely suffocated the Gators offense. Florida didn’t get a first down until over 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
One of Butch Jones’ many slogans is “Brick by Brick”. This was a very huge brick in Tennessee’s program. Florida served as that one team Tennessee had no luck against for a decade. This was certainly a win Jones and this program needed badly to show they were at least closer to being “back” and being old Tennessee again.
However, the next three games are just as big. They’re at Georgia next week, at a very good Texas A&M team in two weeks, and then home against Alabama. The Vols have some more opportunities to make more statements. For right now though, Tennessee deserves to enjoy this win.
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