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

By Justin Melton

Antonio Callaway was cleared of all charges today. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Callaway was cleared of all charges today. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Eddy Pineiro will look to solve Florida’s kicking woes. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Eddy Pineiro will look to solve Florida’s kicking woes. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

The Florida Gators, on the other hand, have a new kicker this season. His name is Eddy Pineiro. Pineiro has never attempted a field goal in a football game. His background is in soccer. But there is a video on YouTube of Pineiro successfully kicking a 77 yard field goal at a kicking camp. If he is accurate, he could be the best kicker in the entire country.

Florida also has an excellent punter in Johnny Townsend. Townsend averaged 45 yards per punt last season. In addition, the Gators have an explosive return man of their own. Antonio Callaway averaged 15 yards per punt return and scored two touchdowns in his freshman season.

Tennessee’s special teams are stacked. Kicker Aaron Medley is the weakest link but he still managed to hit 21 of 31 field goals. Punter Trevor Daniel set a program record a season ago by averaging 45.7 yards per punt. Tennessee also has a pair of lethal return men. Evan Berry averaged 38.3 yards per kickoff return and scored three touchdowns. On punt returns, Cam Sutton scored two touchdowns of his own.

Coaching seems about even right now. McElwain won the East in year one. However, he has to prove he can maintain success over time. Jones has not yet won the East, but he has his team on a steady uptick.

Advantage: Tennessee

Next: Preview and Conclusion

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