Someone Will Sweat In Gainesville

Recent history hasn't been bad. With wins in 2001 and 2003, the Vols head to once dreaded Gainesville with a relatively optimistic track record. Yes, Tennessee lost in '05-- but in reality they beat themselves. Turnovers, including a botched fake punt that didn't have the coaches approval, hurt the Vols more than anything Florida did.

Will the Vols win? I think they will.

It's hard to judge a Florida team that's played Western Kentucky and Troy-- although the Gators win over WKU inspired the Hilltoppers to score 87 points against West Virginia (no, not that WV) Tech on Saturday.

Conversely, the Vols may have played their toughest opponent on opening week. Cal is THAT good. After a slow start Saturday night in their home opener, UT scored 39 against Southern Miss-- and the Vol defense sparked some of that production. I've seen a lot of Tennessee football-- and I sense this team is starting to gel. But I've also seen good Tennessee teams unravel quickly at Florida Field (see Vols vs. Florida, 1995).

After spending five days in Berkeley-- I am skipping the Florida trip for the first time in a decade. I will stay in Knoxville to anchor our coverage. I have advised my good friend and colleague Mark Nagi to pack a few extra shirts. Afternoon games in Gainesville in early September have a tendency to be, well-- sticky.

The Vols hope that forecast applies only to those in the open-air press box.