Hello Vol Nation, I'm a long time lurker here, and Gator fan so feel free to light me up. I can take it. I just want to share my thoughts on the game and get some insight from behind enemy lines.
1) The injuries in this game almost ruin it. Especially for the Vols. Your offense (like ours) has looked putrid so far. This is going to be a 17-10 type game and your D is key. It's a shame you guys are so banged up on all 3 levels of the defense. Everyone will be talking about DelRio's injury, but the real story is the mess of injuries to your D
2) While so far the Gators have played the little sisters of the poor, the YMCA rec league, and the North Texas Fightin' Boogers (Mean Green), our defense has the best stats in the county. The D line is nasty, LB's are making their plays, and the secondary is strong as ever (including every Vol's favorite player, Jalen Tabor).
3) I think the key to this game will be the crowd. Applebey could get rattled pretty easily. This is his first game as a Gator, and it's not the best environment to get acclimated. If the Vols can rattle him early and the crowd make it difficult on him, the Orange and Blue are in for a loooooong day. However, if the Gators can move the ball and Dobbs can't run and is passing as normal, Neyland will turn quiet and angry quickly. The Vols will be the more emotional team, which cuts both ways.
All in all, this game is going to be Ugly. We're talking Bama homecoming date ugly. Not a bunch of offense, lots of sacks by both teams and probably some good old fashion extracurricular activities after most plays.
One think that will be great is seeing Hurd run off tackle and squaring up with Tabor. I like Tabor on the field, off he is a turd. I wouldn't mind him getting his bell rung (as long as he makes the tackle.)
Want any insight on the Gators, feel free to ask. I'll do my best.
Vols and Gators unite for a Dawg Free SEC championship game.