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Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators
- Recruit Reaction: Five-star wants to return
- September Superlatives
- Grading the two-deep defensive depth chart
- Grading the two-deep offensive depth chart
- OTM: Is there a path to a fourth year
- Ranking UF’s commits from least to most likely to jump ship
- What names are on your Coaching Hot Board
After back-to-back wins, the Florida Gators travel to Knoxville to play No. 8 Tennessee. To get a better feel for the Volunteers, Inside the Gators caught up with Caleb Sisk, a team site writer on SI, for a full preview.
Five Tennessee Volunteers to Know
Nico Iamaleava, Quarterback, Redshirt Freshman
- After the worst game of his career, Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava hit the film room hard to prepare for this rivalry. The dual-threat quarterback has 1,050 yards in the air this season as well as 134 on the ground. “I think he’s a great quarterback, a true leader and I think he develops very well,” Sisk said. “I think he is one that you are going to potentially see in the Heisman race in a year or two.” There is no better time than a rivalry game to get back on track.
Dylan Sampson, Running Back, Junior
- Tennessee has a true No.1 back in Dylan Sampson. After taking reps behind Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small in his first two seasons, Sampson is already doing better than his predecessors. This season, the former three-star recruit is averaging 6.5 yards a carry. He has 587 yards and 12 touchdowns so far this season, including his 149 total yard and two rushing touchdown performance in the Volunteers’ 19-14 loss to Arkansas. “You have to scheme against him, because if you don’t, he’s going to make a play,” Sisk said. “You have to stop him up front.”
Boo Carter, Star Position, Freshman
- The first of the three defenders highlighted on Tennessee is someone who could have easily played wide receiver for other programs. Boo Carter was offered the opportunity to play wide out at Michigan and both receiver and cornerback at Colorado. Instead, he elected to stay in his home state and rotate in at the star position, a hybrid defensive back that can drop as an extra safety or play in nickel and dime sets. “Boo Carter is someone who will lay his body on the line,” Sisk said. The speedy DB has yet to grab an interception on the season but has helped his team out with nine tackles.
James Pearce Jr., Edge Rusher, Junior
- James Pearce Jr. is a freak that Billy Napier and the Gators will need to scheme against. “Despite the stats not being there, he opens up the rest of the defensive line,” Sisk said. Last season, the Junior had 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Against No.17 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl last season, Pearce Jr. had a sack, a forced fumble, and even returned an interception for a 52-yard touchdown. If Florida’s Austin Barber (who is listed as questionable) is ruled out, the Gators offensive line will struggle all game.
Arion Carter, Middle Linebacker, Sophomore
- Finally, the future captain of this defense: Arion Carter. Nick Saban and Alabama made Carter their priority, even attempting to flip his commitment on signing day to no avail. This season, the Sophomore has made 23 total tackles and has defended three passes. “He’s really hit his stride of making plays and hitting really hard,” Sisk said. “This is probably the best football we have seen him play.”
Five Fast Facts
- The Gators have won 17 out of the last 20 games against Tennessee.
- Florida is only 14-13 against Tennessee away from home, but the Gators are 7-3 in the last 10 games in Knoxville.
- Nico Iamaleava is the first Josh Heupel high school recruit to start at quarterback since he became Tennessee’s head coach in 2021.
- Tennessee is outscoring their opponent on average 46-9 despite the loss to Arkansas.
- Tennessee’s defense only allows a 22% conversion rate on third down.
Five Game Day Storylines
A Win for Napier Would be Huge
- If Billy Napier manages to go into Knoxville and beat No. 8 Tennessee, the Gators would improve to 4-2 on the year. Before the beginning of the season, fans expected a difficult challenge. Florida is given little to no chance of winning on Saturday. Beating the Volunteers would be a statement win for Napier and would show that he is the man for the job.
No Longer Montrell Johnson Jr.’s Backfield
- The Gators split carries between the running backs last Saturday against UCF. Montrell Johnson Jr. had 10 carries, Jadan Baugh had nine and Ja’Kobi Jackson had three. Both Johnson Jr. and Jackson had rushing touchdowns. It will be interesting to see what happens when Treyaun Webb returns from injury. However, for the time being, it seems that the Florida offense wants to use as many of its weapons as possible.
Checker Neyland Game
- On Saturday, Tennessee has its annual Checker Neyland game. Fans will wear white or orange, depending on their section, to cover the stands in the Vols’ iconic checkerboard pattern. The last time Florida was in Knoxville, it was a Checker Neyland game. Florida fell 38-33.
Tennessee Comes in with a Loss
- The Volunteers had their worst performance of the season against Arkansas last Saturday. Losing after coming off a bye week is tough, especially since Tennessee normally does well. It will be interesting to see what the Vols do on Saturday considering Florida has got their number. Also, who knows how redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava will perform under these circumstances?
Injury Bug
- Tennessee suffered five injuries in the second half against Arkansas. All five players were starters. Bru McCoy, star receiver, injured his hand. Squirrel White seemed to have an issue with his collarbone. Defensive back Christian Harrison also was injured. All three players are listed as Probable for Saturday night. Dont’e Thornton suffered a lower-body injury and is listed as Questionable. Good news though for the Vols as defensive tackle Bryson Eason, who suffered a left leg injury, is not on the injury report. Due to these bumps and bruises, many unfamiliar faces may have to play against Florida.
Prediction
- Caleb Sisk: Tennessee 27-13
- Joseph Torviso: Tennessee 27-17
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