The Tennessee Volunteers haven't looked great in a few games so far this season, but are 3-0 nonetheless going into the start of SEC play. Their first contest is crucial East showdown against Florida this weekend - one where the Vols have a clear advantage. Here are three reasons why Tennessee will win on Saturday:
3) Florida's QB problems
Florida has been looking to find a reliable quarterback for the past several years, and they appear to have found a solid game manager in Luke Del Rio. However, Del Rio suffered a knee injury in last weekend's win over North Texas, and now will start Purdue transfer Austin Appleby under center. Despite being a part-time starter for two years with the Boilermakers, he hasn't completed more than 57.5 percent of his passes while throwing 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Safe to say, Florida's offense will likely struggle.
2) Tennessee's stout defense
Further moving the meter in the Vols' favor is how good their defense has been this year. Yes, they're dealing with several injuries - particularly in the secondary - but it hasn't affected them much to this point. They rank 35th in the country in points allowed per game (18.7), and should put forth another strong performance against a lackluster Gators defense.
1) Revenge factor
The Vols have lost to Florida 11 years in a row, and you know they're putting in extra work to end that streak this year. Tennessee really should have won each of the last two years. They know they've let a few games slip away from them in this series, and with all the bulletin-board material Florida CB Teez Tabor has provided them, Tennessee is going to put forth their most inspired effort of the season.
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