UT, Florida Gators set for a shootout in the Swamp
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The game is being held in the South, but it might end up looking like something from the Wild, Wild West.
National experts are expecting today's annual grudge match between No. 5 Florida Gators and No. 22 Tennessee Volunteers to be an offensive shootout.
Even the players and coaches said they wouldn't be shocked if the showdown turns out to be a whoever-has-the-ball-last-wins type of game.
And with both teams' offenses playing better than their defenses, it's no wonder why.
"I don't know if it's going to be a shootout or not, but if it comes to that, I certainly think we'll be ready to take on that challenge," said UT Coach Phillip Fulmer, who is trying to go 3-1 during his past four games at the Swamp.
A high-scoring affair would go against the series' recent trend.
The last time both teams put up more than 30 points each was in 2001 when the Vols won 34-32 at the Swamp.
Since then, Florida (2-0) and Tennessee (1-1) have seen their defenses dictate outcomes, symbolized by Florida's 16-7 victory in 2005 in Gainesville.
Defenses start slow
The numbers this time are pointing to plenty of points. UT, despite playing much better defense in the second half against Southern Miss last weekend, is allowing 32 points through two games. The Gators allowed 31 points during their win against an average Troy team a week ago.
It has the offensive players salivating, but the defenses also want to prove something.
"It has the potential of being an offensive shootout but I think our defense is going to come through and they're going to make those necessary stops," Florida offensive lineman Carlton Medder said.
The Vols share similar sentiments. After giving up 45 points at Cal, then allowing 13 points in the first quarter to Southern Miss, UT clamped down and allowed only a field goal in the second half against the Golden Eagles.
Any type of carry-over effect will be sorely needed against the speedy and athletic playmakers Florida fields.
"A lot of people are talking about how it's going to be just who can outscore who," UT tight end Chris Brown said. "But we want our defense to stop them, and we feel like if the defense can stop them, we can do some good things on offense."
No-huddle helps
The Vols believe their newly unveiled no-huddle offense will be an advantage if a shootout occurs. While the no-huddle isn't a classic hurry-up offense, it does keep the defense guessing.
UT quarterback Erik Ainge has run the no-huddle with precision from the start of the season opener at Cal, but the Vols know a road game at Berkeley is a tad different than the deafening crowd in Gainesville. Still, the no-huddle relies on hand signals for play calls and it should benefit the Vols today in the notoriously noisy Swamp.
"I think it's paid off in that we've been on the road with it," Fulmer said. "Although we do understand that the decibel level will probably be twice as high. We'll have to manage that. The no-huddle gives us a chance to get to the line of scrimmage to make choices."
Erik Ainge and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow were guarded with their words when the "shootout" subject came up.
Bulletin board material for the opposing defense was the last motivation they wanted to give. Tim Tebow said he wasn't sure how it was going to play out, and that both teams have athletic, problem-causing defenses. Erik Ainge said he is confident in his team's defense.
But Erik Ainge, a senior who is well versed in the UT-Florida rivalry, is certain of at least one thing.
"Whether it's 10-7 or whether it's 45-42," Erik Ainge said, "I think both sides of the ball will be ready to play the game."
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