Florida Gators Prepared To Smash Tennessee And Lane Kiffin's Mouth

Sports Betting News - September 16th, 2009 - Written by Scott

At Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin's introductory news conference, Kiffin might have put his foot in his mouth.  He vowed to end the Volunteer's four-game losing streak to the Florida Gators in the Swamp and later criticized Urban Meyer of a recruiting violation,  as if Gator quarterback Tim Tebow needed any more motivation.  These kind of comments have come back to haunt teams in the past.  This Saturday, Kiffin will find out if his team can live up to his prediction as Tennessee travels to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators. What kind of effect the added pressure Kiffin's comments will have on his team will be revealed Saturday afternoon. The series is tied at 19 apiece and Florida won in their last meeting 30-6 in 2008.

The No. 1 ranked Gators will open up conference play against a good Tennessee defense.  The offense, which ranks 1st nationally in both scoring and total offense, will get their first test of the season.  Despite playing in the rain this past Saturday against Troy, the Gators lost three of five fumbles and will need to do a better job of protecting the ball.  This could be the only concern for Florida as their offense is clicking on all cylinders.  Tebow is looking like the Heisman candidate he has been named and has passed for 425 yards and 5 touchdowns, while rushing for 72 yards and 2 touchdowns, all in limited action in the Gators first two blowout wins.  Defensively, the Gators will look to pressure quarterback Jonathan Crompton as he has a tough time making proper decisions while pressured. 

Tennessee comes into Saturday's game looking to avenge their 19-15 loss to UCLA.  The offense is in for a fight as they face a Gator defense that returns all eleven starters.  Crompton turned the ball over four times in last week's loss.  In order for them to be successful, they must establish their rushing game, which ranks 15th nationally, to take the pressure off Crompton and keep the Gator's explosive offense off of the field.   Defensively, the Volunteers could be in for a long night against the nations top offense.  They allowed only 186 yards last week against UCLA, but this week their facing something totally different.

Sportsbook Betus has the Gators listed as 29 1/2 points favorites with an over/under of 52.  Tennessee undoubtedly will be at a large disadvantage Saturday playing in the Swamp.  However, this is a huge rivalry game, despite the locker room material given to the Gators by Kiffin. 

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