PREGAME: UF Kicks Off SEC Play

For the 11th time in the last 12 years, the Gators and Vols kick off their conference schedules against each other. But after winning three of four games, Tennessee has been on the short end of the first two meetings between Urban Meyer and Phillip Fulmer.

PREVIEW: Tennessee Offense

PREVIEW: Tennessee Defense

The Gators are looking to extend their 17–game winning streak at The Swamp when they kick off at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon. It’s the fourth longest streak in UF history. Meyer is also undefeated through his first two seasons in rivalry games, posting a perfect 6-0 against Tennessee, Florida State and Georgia.

Injury Report

Florida will obviously miss senior wide receiver Andre Caldwell. Caldwell suffered a mild MCL sprain in his knee in the second half against Troy last weekend. The last time Florida and Tennessee faced each other in The Swamp, Caldwell suffered a broken leg during a kick return in the second half and was forced to take a medical redshirt for the rest of the season. Caldwell has four receptions for 111 yards and four carries for 19 yards and a touchdown.

The Gators will also miss senior offensive tackle Phil Trautwein who is out with a stress fracture in his foot. Trautwein has yet to play this fall.

Sophomore cornerback Markihe Anderson is expected to play after suffering a knee sprain at the end of fall camp. Anderson saw limited action in last week’s win against Troy. He may not start, but is expected to play more than last week.

Brandon James, who suffered a mild ankle sprain against the Trojans, is 100 percent for the weekend as is Jarred Fayson who was shaken up after taking a big hit last week.

For the Vols, they will miss senior cornerback Antonio Gaines who is out with a knee injury. Gaines posted seven tackles in the first two games. Freshman Eric Berry who has been starting at strong safety will move to Gaines’ spot at left corner, while senior Jarod Parrish starts at strong safety.

Keys to the game

Balanced attack ---- The Vols have used the arm of Erik Ainge to move the ball up-and-down the field this season, but against the Gators, it may be their best opportunity to run the football. Will the Gator front four be able to stop Tennessee’s Arian Foster who is averaging close to six yards a carry?

Secondary woes ---- Both the Gators and the Vols have inexperience at secondary. Tennessee allowed 264 passing yards to Southern Miss last week, while the Gators allowed Troy to pass for nearly 300 yards. And neither team has come up with a big play. Only the Vols have intercepted a pass, which they were able to turn into a field goal against Southern Miss.

Special Teams ---- Whenever the Gators win a big game, special teams usually plays a role. Two years ago, a blocked field goal helped Florida to the win, but last year they lost the special teams battle behind two missed field goals.

Inside the Numbers

2 ---- Tennessee has won two of the last three meetings at The Swamp. The last time they lost back-to-back trips to Gainesville was 1997 and 1999.

3 ---- Only Steve Spurrier and Mark Richt have defeated Phillip Fulmer in three consecutive seasons. Urban Meyer can match that feat with a win on Saturday.

5 ---- The Vols are 5-10 against the Gators since 1992, but the five wins are the most against the Gators by any SEC team since 1992.

7 ---- The Gators have won seven straight against their three rivals, dating back to Ron Zook’s win at Florida State in 2004. It’s the longest streak in Florida history.

15 ---- In the last 17 meetings, the team with the most rushing yards has won 15 times. In both cases, the Gators came out on top – 2000 and 2002.

30 ---- The Vols are 53-3 under offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe when they score more than 30 points. The Gators allowed 31 points to Troy last week, but Tennessee was on the short end against Cal in week one after putting up 31 points.