Florida @ Tennessee preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 19, 2009 ) Tennessee 13, Florida 23

When Florida takes on Tennessee in the SEC opener for both schools, the Gators will be attempting to do something they’ve never done in a series that dates back to 1916: win six straight games over the Volunteers. Tennessee, meanwhile, is seeking its first win against Urban Meyer.

And both teams are still seeking their identity.

The No. 7 Gators enter Saturday’s game in Knoxville at 2-0 but their offense has struggled in both games, despite not playing a top caliber team. Florida has had to rely on an opportunistic defense, big plays and special teams to pull away from teams (Miami, OH and South Florida) they were expected to manhandle.

Tennessee (1-1) looked like world beaters in blowing out FCS school UT-Martin in the opener, but then was pummeled 48-13 by then-No. 7 Oregon last week. The Volunteers likely aren’t as good as they looked in Week 1 nor as bad as they were in Week 2, so this is yet another litmus test for new coach Derek Dooley and his young squad. A win over rival conference foe Florida would instantly elevate Dooley’s status.

Replacing Tim Tebow, Gators’ new quarterback John Brantley has put up decent stats, but the offense hasn’t been in sync. Brantley has completed 35-of-56 passes (62.5 percent) for 285 yards and four touchdowns. Jeff Demps has ignited the offense (and special teams), ripping off a 72-yard touchdown last week. Demps, the NCAA sprint champion in the 60 and 100 meters, is averaging 12.6 yards per carry (19 for 237 yards).

Tennessee looks to rebound from its loss to Oregon. The Volunteers started out strong and led 13-3 as Tauren Poole ran for 111 yards in the first quarter. He finished with 162 rushing yards and if the Vols are going to have any chance, they’ll need to run the ball well in order to protect quarterback Matt Simms.

The Vols enter the game with the 15th-ranked rushing attack, averaging 257 yards. Florida is 50th, averaging 175 yards. Simms, a junior making his third start, faces a defense that leads the nation with eight interceptions. Safety Ahmad Black has been all over the field, leading the team with three interceptions and 20 tackles.

Florida starting receiver Chris Rainey was arrested earlier this week and will not travel with the team. Tennessee starting receiver Gerald Jones is expected to miss another week or two after breaking his hand in the season opener.

Florida has won seven of the last 10 meetings and 14 of the last 20. The Volunteers’ last win was 30-28 in 2004, a year before Meyer’s arrival. The Gators, who won 23-13 last season, hold a one-game edge in the series, 20-19. After playing sporadically in the early years, the schools have played every year since 1990.