SEC’s Best in-Conference Games 2016: #2: Florida at Tennessee

Tennessee Offense vs. Florida Defense:

Tennessee’s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the country this season. They have all the pieces. The most important piece is their quarterback, Joshua Dobbs. Dobbs is a dynamic athlete who can beat you with his arm or his legs. Last season he picked up 2291 yards through the air and 671 on the ground. Perhaps even more importantly, he is experienced and takes care of the ball, throwing just 5 picks last year.

In addition, the Vols have a phenomenal one-two punch at running back in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. The two are perfect complements to one another. Hurd is big and physical, while Kamara is small and fast. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a veteran offensive line to run behind. The Vols return four of five starters and former 5-star recruit Drew Richmond is ready to fill the gap at left tackle.

In the receiving corps the Vols have two experienced options in the forms of Josh Smith and Josh Malone. Ethan Wolf also returns at tight end. Add in Kamara out of the backfield and that is a lot of weapons for Dobbs to choose from when he looks to go to the air.

Florida’s defense last year was incredible. They basically dragged the Treon Harris led offense to the SEC Championship Game last season. They may take a slight step back this season, but they’ll still be one of the SEC’s top units. Explosive sophomore Cece Jefferson should be a full-time starter at defensive end this year, which should have quarterbacks shaking in their boots. Tackle Caleb Brantley is also a beast on the line.

Jarrad Davis will lead a group of talented, but inexperienced, linebackers. Alex Anzalone was injured in the second week of last season, but he is fine now. He provides speed and tenacity in the middle. Daniel McMillan will start on the strong side.

After losing Keanu Neal and Vernon Hargreaves to the NFL, it seems logical that Florida would take a significant step back in the secondary. But they won’t. That’s because they still have Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson at corner, as well as Marcus Maye at safety. The Gators will be tough to throw on.

Advantage: Even

Next: UF O vs. UT D