At-a-Glance Scouting Report: Florida Gators

Here is a look at the Tennessee Volunteers' week three opponent: the Florida Gators.

On Saturday, Sept. 16th, the Tennessee Volunteers will have their first SEC matchup against the Florida Gators. The team will be looking for their first win in Gainesville since 2003. 

Thus far, the Gators are 1-1 on the year, with a win this past weekend against McNeese and a loss back in week one on the road against the Utah Utes. The game against Tennessee will also be their first SEC matchup this year. 

Florida looked like a whole new team in week two at home as opposed to their week one game. Against McNeese, they put up 560 total yards of offense, which was 200 more than what they had against Utah. Quarterback Graham Mertz also looked a lot more in tune against the Cowboys. He finished with 193 yards and a touchdown on 82% (14-17) passing. If he gets the home crowd into and begins to move the ball like he did, there's a chance he can have another scary good day again. 

Tennessee will also face one of the biggest threats at wideout in the SEC in Ricky Pearsall. He is a senior from Arizona that gives the Gators offense a big boost every time they step onto the field. He started the season with two good performances, including a 92-yard game at Utah and then a 123-yard outing against McNeese, where he also had his first receiving touchdown of the season. 

On defense, Florida features a crafty linebacker by the name of Shemar James. He currently is leading the Gators' team in tackles this season. James may be due for a breakout year, as he was a huge signing for Florida in 2022. In his freshman season, he had 47 total tackles, and with 19 through two games, he is easily on pace to beat that. Kickoff between the Vols and Gators is at 7:00 p.m. E.T. 

Florida HC Billy Napier with starting QB Graham Mertz during a win over McNeese State on September 9th, 2023, in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Matt Pendleton of USA Today Sports)

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