Tennessee vs. Florida Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Graham Mertz, Florida Pull Off Major SEC Upset At Home?

Tennessee vs. Florida Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Florida Pull Off Major SEC Upset At Home?

The Tennessee Volunteers will travel to Gainesville, Florida, for a matchup against the Florida Gators this weekend. Tennessee has started the season 2-0, with wins over Virginia and Austin Peay. However, it took Tennessee nearly an entire half against Austin Peay to figure out its offense. On the other hand, Florida responded with a win over McNeese State after losing to Utah in Week 1. Tennessee doesn't have Hendon Hooker anymore. Meanwhile, Florida is without Anthony Richardson. So, which team's new quarterback will step up on Saturday?

Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's game between the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators game.

Tennessee vs. Florida Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch

• Date: September 16, 2023
• Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: ESPN

Tennessee vs. Florida Odds

• Spread: Tennessee -7 (-110), Florida +7 (-110)
• Total Odds: O/U 57.5 (-110)
• Moneyline Odds: Tennessee (-290), Florida (+235)

Tennessee vs. Florida Injury Report

Tennessee

Questionable: OL Cooper Mays (Upper Body), DL Elijah Simmons (Knee)

Out: RB DeSean Bishop (Ankle), LB Kwauze Garland (Undisclosed), LB Keenan Pili (Upper Body)

Florida

Questionable: WR Marcus Burke (Upper Body), WR Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman (Undisclosed), Kingsley Eguakun (Lower Body), Kahleil Jackson (Lower Body), TE Tony Livingston (Upper Body), QB Jack Miller III (Shoulder), S Ja'Markis Weston (Upper Body), TE Keon Zipperer (Knee)

Out: DL Justus Boone (Knee), RB Cameron Carroll (Knee), OL Caden Jones (Foot)

Tennessee vs. Florida Prediction

At home, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated Austin Peay, 30-13, in Week 2 of the college football season. But the score was just 13-6 at halftime. Tennessee added a touchdown late in the second quarter to take the lead. Austin Peay was only outplayed in the third quarter. That's concerning if you're a Tennessee fan. Austin Peay's Mike DiLiello threw for 260 yards passing against Tennessee's secondary. However, Tennessee could hold Austin Peay to just 2.3 yards per rush. Meanwhile, the Volunteers were just 3-for-12 on third downs. They were also 0-1 on fourth downs. The run game added 7.1 yards per carry on 32 rushing attempts. But the offense only gained 228 yards passing and had fewer first downs than Austin Peay. On the other hand, Florida already lost to a Power-five team in the Utah Utes. The Gators played poorly in their first half but came alive in the second half of that game. There just wasn't enough time left. The Gators most recently defeated McNeese State, holding them to six first downs in the entire game. Florida rushed for 327 yards and held McNeese to just 1.8 yards per carry defensively. The Gators will need a better pass rush against Joe Milton and the Tennessee offense. Milton has thrown for 429 yards in two games and has four touchdowns with no interceptions. He's also been sacked just twice in two games. However, I still think the Gators' secondary is good enough to make plays against Tennessee's offense. The run defense is certainly good enough. They held Utah to 3.5 yards rushing last week. Florida needs to be more consistent on third downs. The run game should improve drastically against Tennessee at home. Finally, Graham Mertz has thrown for 526 yards for the Gators in two games. I'm not incredibly high on him. But I think he's improved from the first half against Utah to now. Therefore, I'll ride with Florida against the spread.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators Pick

• PICK: Florida +7 -110 (Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds)

College Football Odds

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