Top SEC Games: Week Four Edition

Sep 19, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Preston Williams (7) celebrates with wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) after Williams scored a touchdown against the Western Carolina Catamounts during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 55 to10. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee VS Florida

Location:  Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

Game Time:  Saturday, September 26 3:30PM ET

TV:  CBS

In the 1990’s and early 2000’s the Tennessee-Florida games were as big as things got in the SEC.  Typically, the winner of the game had the inside track to winning the SEC East Division, although having to go through Georgia certainly impacted both teams as well.

Over time, the Tennessee program eroded to becoming only a shell of its former self.  Now Butch Jones seems to be putting things back in order, but more work remains.  On the flip side, Florida has been one of the more volatile programs in the SEC since Steve Spurrier departed from Gainesville.  You can break down the volatility by coaching era’s:  Ron Zook was a failure by Florida standards, Urban Meyer was the second coming of Steve Spurrier, and Will Muschamp was a major flop.  Will Jim McElwain prove to be the answer?

Sep 5, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) works out prior to the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This Saturday’s game can simply be described as a foot race back to the top between the two programs desperately trying to re-establish themselves in the SEC, as well as on a National level.  Tennessee has been down longer, or more consistently rather, but finally seems to have the talent to move forward.  Fortunately for Florida, the Gators greet the Vols from the confines of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Will the winner of this game be “back”?  No, but a win for either team will certainly breathe fresh air into either program.  Look for the Vols to turn Jalen Hurd loose Saturday afternoon and avoid passing unless necessary against Vernon Hargreaves III (and the rest of the Florida secondary).

Florida won this game last year in Knoxville 10-9.  Will the home crowd in Gainesville be too much for the young, but talented, Tennessee squad?

Note:  Tennessee has not beaten Florida since a 30-28 victory in Knoxville, TN in 2004.

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