Tennessee vs. Florida Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Hendon Hooker and the Vols Win Their First SEC Game?
Tennessee vs. Florida Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Hendon Hooker and the Vols Win Their First SEC Game?
The Tennessee Volunteers have started the season 3-0. Although the Vols haven't played a conference game this season, Tennessee already knocked off a 17-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers team, on the road, in overtime earlier this season. On Saturday, Tennessee will finally get its first conference game. They'll take on the Florida Gators, at home, in what should be the most exciting matchup of the week. Florida already has a conference loss to Kentucky but rebounded last week with a 31-28 win over South Florida. Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Florida Gators vs. Tennessee Volunteers.
Tennessee vs. Florida Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 24, 2022
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Tennessee vs. Florida Odds
Click Here for Tennessee vs. Florida Odds
Tennessee vs. Florida Injury Report
Tennessee
Questionable: TE Miles Campbell (Undisclosed), WR Cedric Tillman (Undisclosed) Out: LB William Mohan (Suspension)
Florida
None of Importance
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators Prediction
It's Hendon Hooker's world, and we're just living in it. The Tennessee quarterback has thrown 844 yards and eight touchdowns in his first three games this season. He's thrown two interceptions since taking over the starting job last season. He's found leading wide receiver Jalin Hyatt 18 times for 267 yards and three touchdowns. That connection averages nearly 15 yards per catch. Hooker's name will be in the Heisman conversation if he continues this level of play in SEC play. The run game has also been effective behind Jaylen Wright, who has added 231 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Meanwhile, the defense hasn't rushed the passer as effectively as they would probably like. That could be an issue against Florida. The Gators have plenty tremendously as an offensive line unit but are not getting great quarterback play out of Anthony Richardson. Richardson's been a great runner and can help develop plays. But so far, through three games, Richardson has thrown four interceptions with no touchdowns. The offense stalls because of Richardson sometimes, which isn't helping their case. Meanwhile, on the defensive end, the Gators have been poor at rushing the passer. That's not good news knowing how effective Hooker has been since taking over the starting job at Tennessee. I'll give the Florida secondary some credit, but the secondary will eventually break down if Hooker has time to let receivers get open. The coverage will be great for Florida. They just can't guard for a long time. That will bite them. The Volunteers are the much better football team and will be prepared, at home, in their first SEC game.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators Pick
- Tennessee -9.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.