Obviously, I personally believe there will be 2 big x-factors in this game. Penalties and home field advantage, but let us ignore those 2 for now, and talk about which team has the match-up advantages. Theoretically, that should determine who wins.
UF pass attack vs Tennessee pass defense
Pick: PUSH
This has nothing to do with Appleby or our receivers. UT is without Cameron Sutton the only dude that even has a chance at covering Callaway (who we all know barring injury or off the field issue during the week of practice (had to say it for karma purposes) will play), Brandon Powell tore UT a new one last year, and they have no Kirkland or any LB that has a remote shot of covering Goolsby. Guys will be open all game long.
However, I do not like Barnett vs Sharpe and I am a little worried about Verrett vs Taylor. Will Appleby have time to actually throw the ball?
UF rushing attack vs UT rush defense
Pick: slight to moderate advantage UF
Slight if Maybin plays moderately healthy. Moderate if he doesn't. O'Brien is there only DT right now. They have good DEs, but even after multiple years of experience they still over pursue (major discipline issues). Kirkland is out. No strong safety that frightens a team. UF has improved dramatically in run blocking every single game. Film says UF has the advantage.
UT passing attack vs UF pass defense
Pick: DUH!!!!!
Do I even need to go into it? It is that one sided.
UT rushing attack vs UF rush defense
Pick: UF moderate advantage
I believing running the ball has more to do with run blocking then the running backs themselves. The interior of UT's OL is a joke. Caleb brantley and Joey Ivie will at absolute worse case scenario occupy all 3 interior linemen and keep them at a stand still. Leaving all 3 of UF's linebackers unblocked and able to crash down on the running backs. Every analysts says UF has the best combo of inside linebackers in the country. Time to see if they are right.
Special teams advantage
Pick: Push
Depends on how well UT fill the punt returner spot in Sutton's absence. With him in I would of given them the advantage. To be honest both teams are great in all aspects of special. Perhaps with the exception of UF in the kick returning game, but I doubt Pineiro let's UT return kick-offs in this game anyway.
X-factors
1. Referee favoritism (call me a conspiracy theorists all you want)
2. They have home field advantage. Will help their defense.
3. Anyone catch McElwain say "they ran the ball down our throats last season?" Have a feeling that will be a point of emphasis
UF pass attack vs Tennessee pass defense
Pick: PUSH
This has nothing to do with Appleby or our receivers. UT is without Cameron Sutton the only dude that even has a chance at covering Callaway (who we all know barring injury or off the field issue during the week of practice (had to say it for karma purposes) will play), Brandon Powell tore UT a new one last year, and they have no Kirkland or any LB that has a remote shot of covering Goolsby. Guys will be open all game long.
However, I do not like Barnett vs Sharpe and I am a little worried about Verrett vs Taylor. Will Appleby have time to actually throw the ball?
UF rushing attack vs UT rush defense
Pick: slight to moderate advantage UF
Slight if Maybin plays moderately healthy. Moderate if he doesn't. O'Brien is there only DT right now. They have good DEs, but even after multiple years of experience they still over pursue (major discipline issues). Kirkland is out. No strong safety that frightens a team. UF has improved dramatically in run blocking every single game. Film says UF has the advantage.
UT passing attack vs UF pass defense
Pick: DUH!!!!!
Do I even need to go into it? It is that one sided.
UT rushing attack vs UF rush defense
Pick: UF moderate advantage
I believing running the ball has more to do with run blocking then the running backs themselves. The interior of UT's OL is a joke. Caleb brantley and Joey Ivie will at absolute worse case scenario occupy all 3 interior linemen and keep them at a stand still. Leaving all 3 of UF's linebackers unblocked and able to crash down on the running backs. Every analysts says UF has the best combo of inside linebackers in the country. Time to see if they are right.
Special teams advantage
Pick: Push
Depends on how well UT fill the punt returner spot in Sutton's absence. With him in I would of given them the advantage. To be honest both teams are great in all aspects of special. Perhaps with the exception of UF in the kick returning game, but I doubt Pineiro let's UT return kick-offs in this game anyway.
X-factors
1. Referee favoritism (call me a conspiracy theorists all you want)
2. They have home field advantage. Will help their defense.
3. Anyone catch McElwain say "they ran the ball down our throats last season?" Have a feeling that will be a point of emphasis
