Florida (3-7) vs. No. 20 Tennessee (7-3), Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ABC
Latest line: Tennessee is favored by 4 1/2 points
Edgar Thompson, Florida Gators writer: Florida 27, Tennessee 24
Florida rises to the occasion against their rival during a night game in the Swamp with a national TV audience watching and Urban Meyer in the house. DJ Lagway capitalizes against the SEC’s worst pass defense, while the Gators do just enough to slow Josh Heupel’s fast-paced attack as the Vols’ futility stretches to 11 straight losses in Gainesville. The win snaps the Gators’ three-game losing streak and earns them a rare moment to celebrate during a dismal season.
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: Tennessee 44, Florida 17
It’s hard to imagine that the “Swamp Curse” will continue for Tennessee, which has lost its last 10 games in Gainesville. Tennessee has lost three games this season — all to SEC heavyweights (Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma), while the Gators are losing to everybody. Tennessee has the second-ranked offense in the country, while Florida has the 108th-ranked offense in the country. And let’s be honest, Florida’s players are likely more focused on the transfer portal than they are about playing Tennessee while UF fans are too busy on their phones refreshing Twitter to see if Lane Kiffin has been hired to care about the result of this game.
Adam Lichtenstein, Miami Hurricanes writer: Tennessee 27, Florida 17
What’s stronger? Bad vibes or the apparent hex that has kept the Vols from winning in the Swamp since Ron Zook’s tenure? Simply put, Tennessee is the better team. Florida responded after a dreadful performance at Kentucky with a solid showing in a loss to playoff contender Ole Miss. Who can say what that means for this week’s game? But if Tennessee loses on the road to UF again — against this Florida team — Vols fans might as well surrender all hope of winning in Gainesville.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Florida 24, Tennessee 23
Tennessee has lost 10 straight games in Gainesville and has won just three times since 2005 during the series. Josh Heupel’s Vols have lost by a combined 67-30 in his two trips to the Swamp. DJ Lagway and the Gators will have extra motivation to extend that streak as their former coach Urban Meyer will be on hand, while they audition for their likely future coach Lane Kiffin. Lagway found his stride at times against Ole Miss, showing his dual-threat ability, and will need to have a strong performance against the Vols to silence his critics.
