Tennessee vs. Florida: 5 things to know
Tennessee football welcomes Florida to Neyland Stadium on Saturday (TV: CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET).
Here are five things to know:
December meetings a rarity
In a rivalry traditionally played in September, Tennessee and Florida have only played in December five times.
The most recent was 2001. They were scheduled to play on Sept. 15, 2001, but because of 9/11, all college football games that week were postponed.
The Vols traveled to Gainesville on Dec. 1, upsetting the No. 2 Gators 34-32 for their first road win in the series since 1971.
No. 14 Florida beat No. 11 Tennessee in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 27, 1969, but the Vols hold the advantage in December games 4-1. They picked up wins in 1928, 1930 and 1932.
Can Tennessee turn tide in one-sided rivalry?
Florida's dominance in recent years, with 14 wins over Tennessee in 15 games since 2005, is well-documented, but it's just part of the series' history.
The Vols won the first 10 games from 1916-1953, winning another game in 1955 to take an 11-1 lead. But in the 37 games since, Tennessee has won nine.
Tennessee's one win in the last 15 years came at home in 2016, when thencoach Butch Jones earned a 38-28 win over the No. 19 Gators.
Who's the Vols QB?
The pandemic is a driving force in Tennessee's decision, as coach Jeremy Pruitt confirmed that one of his quarterbacks is in quarantine, though he wouldn't release a name.
It isn't freshman Harrison Bailey, who has become a focal point for fans in recent weeks as starter Jarrett Guarantano has continued to struggle.
"Harrison will definitely play Saturday," Pruitt said on Wednesday. "To what extent, we've not decided yet.”
Florida would provide an interesting matchup for Bailey, who has appeared in three games so far, as the Gators have struggled at times with defending the pass. They've allowed 300-plus yards in three games.
Get Eric Gray going
Florida's defense is not the reason that the Gators can win the SEC East title on Saturday.
They've allowed 26 points per game and almost 387 yards of offense, which includes 143.9 yards rushing per game. Given Tennessee's struggles moving the ball through the air, it would make sense to lean on sophomore running back Eric Gray.
Gray has surpassed 100 rushing yards in four games, including the last two against Arkansas and Auburn. He had 173 yards and one touchdown against Auburn, the second-best game in his career.
What are the odds?
Florida is a 17.5-point favorite, according to Betmgm.com.
This is the fourth time this season that Tennessee is seen as the underdog, and second in a row, with Georgia, Alabama and Auburn also seen as previous favorites against the Vols.
Tennessee is 2-4 against the spread, failing to cover in each of its losses.