Big game preview - College Football/Insider - Brief Article
Michael BradleyTennessee at Florida 4:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS
Tennessee game keys:
* Slow it down. If this becomes a shootout, Tennessee is in big trouble--the Gators average 539.6 yards and 45 points per game.
* Stuff the run. The Gators will be without top rusher Earnest Graham, so the Vols must do what Auburn did in its upset of Florida--eliminate the Gators' ground game. Do that, and quarterback Rex Grossman might not seem so superhuman.
Florida game keys:
* Air raid. Grossman's four picks at Auburn led to the only blemish on a stunning season. Receivers Jabar Gaffney, Reche Caldwell and Taylor Jacobs have combined for 150 receptions and 29 TDs.
* Limit mistakes. Florida lost to Auburn and struggled vs. Georgia because of them. If the Gators get sloppy, the Vols will make them pay.
Head-to-head: Tennessee WRs Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington vs. Florida CBs Lito Sheppard and Bennie Alexander. With Vols running back Travis Stephens a huge ground threat, Stallworth and Washington might see a lot of single coverage as Florida tries to fill the box.
Bottom line: At immediate stake is a berth in the SEC title game. But win here and in Atlanta, and one team would be in great position to reach the Rose Bowl. The improved play of Florida's line and Grossman's recent play should effectively counteract the loss of Graham. The Vols have potential and talent but can't keep up with Florida.
Pick: Florida 31, Tennessee 23.
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