Game 6. Week 7. It’s not about you, Florida. It’s about us.

Ellie Williamson

Sep 19, 2024

It’s not you, it’s me, Gator Nation. We have to break away from the records of the past this week. Coming into a checkered Neyland at night will not be the same as the lopsided record of the last 20 Florida-Tennessee rivalry games.  This one is just about us. 

It’s not as bad as it seems, losing by points to an almost undefeated Arkansas team. If we are playing penalty-free football, then the loss in Fayetteville isn’t all over Vol Twitter this week. 

Here are three things on my scouting report to look for as key to a win in Week 5:

1. The debate on uniform selection should be the least of concern. Where we should focus is on the line of scrimmage. Why? That is where Arkansas has seen the most improvement in the first four weeks of this season. Despite the three failed assignment football plays against the Aggies in the 4th quarter, the Razorbacks would be meeting us with an undefeated record. Does that mean something? Yes, it does. They are capable of winning. The QB is their prized possession. He will be ready to face the attack that we stack against him at the line of scrimmage. 

2. The run game for Arkansas is strong. But, so is ours. A balanced attack has been proven to help us find a way to the win column thus far. This week, I can see us picking apart more of the mismatch with the Arkansas secondary. We have a receiver core that is faster and more advanced. The environment will be silenced during this part of the offensive drives downfield.  Is this the breakout game Nico needs? Time will tell.

We asked all week on socials, “Will Tennessee offense or the defense have more of a statement game?” 

The Vols have scored more points than any Volunteer team in the history of Tennessee football since 1933. 

Prediction for this game has the Vols going 5-0 in Week 5 (33-10). But, Sam Pittman is an old school style of football that will be ready for the game day energy, but not have enough juice late in the 4th quarter, once again. 

Enjoy the game! Saturday is a chance to escape the devastation found in Appalachian country and across the SEC landscape. Our thoughts and prayers, and support are with all who have suffered this week with the landfall of  Hurricane Helene. 

Stay tuned to The Players Lounge for more coverage.