Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators: A Gridiron Showdown


Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators: A Gridiron Showdown

The Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators are two of probably the most storied applications in faculty soccer. When these two SEC East rivals conflict, it is positive to be a memorable matchup. Let’s check out the historical past of this rivalry and what to anticipate when these two titans of the gridiron meet on the sector.

The Tennessee-Florida rivalry dates again to 1916. The 2 groups have met 54 instances total, with Florida holding a slight edge within the sequence with a file of 28-24-2. Nevertheless, the Volunteers have received the final three conferences, together with a 34-3 victory in 2020.

Tennessee versus Florida Rating

A heated SEC East rivalry.

  • 54 whole conferences.
  • Florida leads sequence 28-24-2.
  • Tennessee received final three conferences.
  • Highest-scoring recreation: 1996 (71-64 Tennessee).
  • Lowest-scoring recreation: 1961 (7-3 Tennessee).
  • Most factors scored by one staff: Tennessee (71 in 1996).
  • Fewest factors scored by one staff: Florida (3 in 2020).
  • Most factors scored in 1 / 4: 28 (Florida in 2007).

These two groups are positive to placed on a present once they meet on the sector.

54 whole conferences.

The Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators have met on the gridiron 54 instances since their first assembly in 1916. Over time, these two SEC East rivals have produced a few of the most memorable video games in faculty soccer historical past.

  • First assembly:

    The primary assembly between Tennessee and Florida befell on October 21, 1916, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Volunteers received the sport 21-0.

  • Most typical rating:

    The most typical rating in Tennessee-Florida video games is 17-14, which has occurred thrice.

  • Longest profitable streak:

    Florida has the longest profitable streak within the sequence, profitable six straight video games from 1990 to 1995.

  • Highest-scoring recreation:

    The very best-scoring recreation within the sequence was in 1996, when Tennessee defeated Florida 71-64 in Knoxville. Peyton Manning threw for a school-record 526 yards and 6 touchdowns within the recreation.

With such a wealthy historical past between these two groups, it is no marvel that the Tennessee-Florida recreation is without doubt one of the most anticipated matchups on the faculty soccer schedule annually.

Florida leads sequence 28-24-2.

Regardless of trailing within the total sequence file, Florida has held a slight edge over Tennessee in recent times. The Gators have received eight of the final 12 conferences between the 2 groups, together with a 34-3 victory in 2020.

  • Dwelling-field benefit:

    Florida has a major home-field benefit within the sequence, with a file of 17-7 in Gainesville. Tennessee, alternatively, is simply 7-16 in Knoxville towards the Gators.

  • Key gamers:

    Florida has had some key gamers step up in massive moments towards Tennessee. Tim Tebow led the Gators to a 21-20 victory in 2008 with a landing go within the ultimate seconds. In 2015, Antonio Callaway returned a punt 85 yards for a landing to assist Florida win 28-27.

  • Defensive dominance:

    Florida’s protection has been a significant component within the staff’s current success towards Tennessee. The Gators have held the Volunteers to a mean of simply 14.5 factors per recreation over the past 4 conferences.

  • Teaching matchup:

    Florida head coach Dan Mullen has a 3-1 file towards Tennessee, whereas Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel is 0-1 towards the Gators. Mullen has been in a position to outscheme Heupel of their matchups, and he might be seeking to proceed that pattern within the years to come back.

Whereas Tennessee has closed the hole in recent times, Florida nonetheless holds a slight edge within the sequence. The Gators might be seeking to prolong their lead when the 2 groups meet once more in 2023.

Tennessee received final three conferences.

After a protracted stretch of dominance by Florida, Tennessee has turned the tables in recent times and received the final three conferences between the 2 groups.

  • 2020: Tennessee 34, Florida 3

    The Volunteers dominated the Gators from begin to end on this one, profitable 34-3 in Gainesville. Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, whereas working again Eric Grey rushed for 101 yards and a landing.

  • 2021: Tennessee 38, Florida 14

    Tennessee received its second straight recreation towards Florida in convincing trend, profitable 38-14 in Knoxville. Quarterback Hendon Hooker threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns, whereas working again Tiyon Evans rushed for 109 yards and a landing.

  • 2022: Tennessee 38, Florida 21

    The Volunteers made it three straight wins over the Gators with a 38-21 victory in Gainesville. Hooker threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns, whereas working again Jabari Small rushed for 133 yards and a landing.

Tennessee’s current success towards Florida is because of a lot of elements, together with robust quarterback play, a balanced offense, and a stingy protection. The Volunteers might be seeking to proceed their profitable streak towards the Gators when the 2 groups meet once more in 2023.

Highest-scoring recreation: 1996 (71-64 Tennessee).

The very best-scoring recreation within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry was performed on September 28, 1996, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Volunteers defeated the Gators by a rating of 71-64 in a recreation that featured a mixed 135 factors and 1,358 yards of whole offense.

  • Peyton Manning’s record-setting efficiency:

    Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning had a record-setting day towards Florida in 1996. He threw for 526 yards and 6 touchdowns, each of which had been college data on the time. Manning additionally ran for a landing, giving him seven whole touchdowns within the recreation.

  • Florida’s offensive explosion:

    Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel additionally had a giant day, throwing for 381 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Gators additionally rushed for 214 yards, led by working again Fred Taylor’s 119 yards and two touchdowns.

  • A back-and-forth affair:

    The sport was a back-and-forth affair, with each groups buying and selling touchdowns all through the sport. Tennessee took a 38-31 lead into halftime, however Florida got here again to tie the sport at 51-51 within the third quarter. The Volunteers ultimately pulled away within the fourth quarter, scoring 20 unanswered factors to win the sport.

  • A record-breaking day:

    The 1996 Tennessee-Florida recreation was a record-breaking day for each groups. The mixed 135 factors scored is probably the most within the historical past of the rivalry, and the 1,358 yards of whole offense can be a file. Peyton Manning’s 526 passing yards and 7 whole touchdowns are additionally college data for Tennessee.

The 1996 Tennessee-Florida recreation continues to be remembered as one of the thrilling and highest-scoring video games in faculty soccer historical past.

Lowest-scoring recreation: 1961 (7-3 Tennessee).

The bottom-scoring recreation within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry was performed on October 14, 1961, in Gainesville, Florida. The Volunteers defeated the Gators by a rating of 7-3 in a defensive wrestle.

A defensive battle:

The sport was a defensive battle from the beginning, with each groups struggling to maneuver the ball. Tennessee’s protection held Florida to only 108 yards of whole offense, whereas Florida’s protection held Tennessee to only 178 yards of whole offense. Each groups additionally turned the ball over a number of instances, with Tennessee committing 4 turnovers and Florida committing three turnovers.

The one landing:

The one landing of the sport got here within the second quarter, when Tennessee quarterback Billy Cannon scored on a one-yard run. Cannon’s landing was arrange by a 42-yard go from quarterback Bob Johnson to broad receiver Buddy Cruze. Florida had an opportunity to tie the sport within the fourth quarter, however kicker Bobby Dodd missed a 32-yard subject objective try.

A low-scoring affair:

The 7-3 ultimate rating was the lowest-scoring recreation within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry. It was additionally the primary time that both staff had been held to 3 factors or much less within the rivalry.

The 1961 Tennessee-Florida recreation is a reminder that even in a rivalry recognized for high-scoring affairs, protection can generally win the day.

Most factors scored by one staff: Tennessee (71 in 1996).

Essentially the most factors scored by one staff within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry is 71, which was set by Tennessee within the 1996 recreation.

  • Peyton Manning’s record-setting day:

    Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning had a record-setting day towards Florida in 1996. He threw for 526 yards and 6 touchdowns, each of which had been college data on the time. Manning additionally ran for a landing, giving him seven whole touchdowns within the recreation.

  • A balanced offensive assault:

    Tennessee’s offense was firing on all cylinders within the 1996 recreation. Along with Manning’s massive day, working again Jay Graham rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, and broad receiver Marcus Nash caught seven passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

  • Florida’s defensive struggles:

    Florida’s protection had no reply for Tennessee’s offense within the 1996 recreation. The Gators gave up a school-record 71 factors and 774 yards of whole offense. Florida additionally dedicated 4 turnovers, which led to a number of Tennessee scores.

  • A historic victory:

    Tennessee’s 71-64 victory over Florida in 1996 is without doubt one of the most lopsided wins within the historical past of the rivalry. It’s also one of many highest-scoring video games in faculty soccer historical past.

The 1996 Tennessee-Florida recreation continues to be remembered as one of the thrilling and highest-scoring video games in faculty soccer historical past.

Fewest factors scored by one staff: Florida (3 in 2020).

The fewest factors scored by one staff within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry is 3, which was set by Florida within the 2020 recreation.

A dominant defensive efficiency:

Florida’s protection was dominant within the 2020 recreation, holding Tennessee to only 146 yards of whole offense. The Gators additionally pressured three turnovers, together with two interceptions and a pressured punt. Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was held to only 69 passing yards, and working again Eric Grey was held to only 38 speeding yards.

Florida’s offensive struggles:

Florida’s offense struggled to get something going towards Tennessee’s protection within the 2020 recreation. The Gators had been held to only 177 yards of whole offense, and so they turned the ball over thrice. Florida quarterback Kyle Trask was held to only 113 passing yards, and working again Dameon Pierce was held to only 20 speeding yards.

A lopsided victory:

The 2020 Tennessee-Florida recreation was a lopsided victory for Tennessee, who received 34-3. It was Tennessee’s first win within the rivalry since 2016, and it was additionally Florida’s first loss to an unranked opponent since 2014.

The 2020 Tennessee-Florida recreation is a reminder that protection can generally win the day, even in a rivalry recognized for high- scoring affairs.

Most factors scored in 1 / 4: 28 (Florida in 2007).

Essentially the most factors scored in 1 / 4 within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry is 28, which was set by Florida within the third quarter of the 2007 recreation.

Florida’s offensive explosion:

Florida’s offense exploded within the third quarter of the 2007 recreation, scoring 28 factors in simply over 10 minutes of recreation time. The Gators scored touchdowns on 4 consecutive possessions, and so they additionally added a subject objective. Florida quarterback Chris Leavitt threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns within the third quarter, and working again Kestahn Moore rushed for 116 yards and a landing within the third quarter.

A record-setting quarter:

Florida’s 28 factors within the third quarter of the 2007 recreation is a file for probably the most factors scored in 1 / 4 within the historical past of the Tennessee-Florida rivalry. It’s also probably the most factors scored in 1 / 4 by any staff within the SEC Jap Division because the division was created in 1992.

A lopsided victory:

Florida’s offensive explosion within the third quarter helped the Gators to a 45-13 victory over Tennessee within the 2007 recreation. It was Florida’s largest margin of victory within the rivalry since 1996, and it was additionally Tennessee’s worst loss within the rivalry since 1982.

The 2007 Tennessee-Florida recreation is a reminder that something can occur in a rivalry recreation, and that no lead is protected.

FAQ

Do you’ve got any questions concerning the Florida Gators?

Listed here are just a few of probably the most often requested questions:

Query 1: When was the College of Florida based?

Reply: The College of Florida was based in 1853.

Query 2: The place is the College of Florida positioned?

Reply: The College of Florida is positioned in Gainesville, Florida.

Query 3: What’s the College of Florida’s mascot?

Reply: The College of Florida’s mascot is a male American Alligator named Albert.

Query 4: What are the College of Florida’s college colours?

Reply: The College of Florida’s college colours are orange and blue.

Query 5: What’s the College of Florida’s combat music?

Reply: The College of Florida’s combat music is “The Florida Battle Tune.”

Query 6: Who’re the College of Florida’s largest rivals?

Reply: The College of Florida’s largest rivals are the Georgia Elisen Bulldgsn, the Flsu Saemianlsn, and the Tnnseen Vols.

If in case you have every other questions concerning the Florida Gators, please be at liberty to ask!

Now that you recognize just a little extra concerning the College of Florida, listed here are just a few ideas that can assist you take advantage of your Florida Gators expertise:

Ideas

Listed here are just a few ideas that can assist you take advantage of your Florida Gators expertise:

Tip 1: Go to the Swamp

The Swamp is the nickname for the College of Florida’s soccer stadium. It is without doubt one of the most intimidating stadiums in faculty soccer, and it’s a must-see for any Florida Gators fan.

Tip 2: Attend a pep rally

Pep rallies are held earlier than each house soccer recreation. They’re an effective way to get pumped up for the sport and to point out your help for the Gators.

Tip 3: Be part of a pupil group

There are lots of of pupil organizations on the College of Florida. Becoming a member of a pupil group is an effective way to become involved on campus and to satisfy new folks.

Tip 4: Reap the benefits of the college’s assets

The College of Florida has a variety of assets obtainable to college students, together with libraries, tutoring providers, and profession counseling. Reap the benefits of these assets that can assist you achieve your research.

Whether or not you’re a pupil, a school member, or a fan, there are a lot of methods to become involved with the College of Florida and to point out your help for the Gators.

The College of Florida is a particular place, and I encourage everybody to expertise it for themselves.

Conclusion

The College of Florida is a particular place. It’s a world-class college with a wealthy historical past and a vibrant neighborhood. The Gators are one of the profitable athletic applications within the nation, and so they have a passionate fan base that’s recognized for its college spirit.

Whether or not you’re a pupil, a school member, or a fan, there are a lot of methods to become involved with the College of Florida and to point out your help for the Gators.

I encourage everybody to expertise the College of Florida for themselves. You will not be dissatisfied.

Go Gators!