Behind Enemy Lines: No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 8 Florida Preview & Analysis

Gator Country's Nick Marcinko breaks down what lies ahead for the Vols against the Gators on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville.

Feb 01, 2025

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At noon EST on Saturday, No. 6 Tennessee will host the No. 8 Florida Gators inside Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.

The last time these two teams played in Gainesville, things did not go well for the Volunteers as Rick Barnes’ team lost 73-43. Tennessee was also undefeated at the time and the No. 1 team in the country.

Now, the Vols come into tomorrow afternoon’s game losers of two straight against No. 1 Auburn and No. 12 Kentucky, the former on the road and the latter at home on Tuesday night. The Vols have lost three of their last four games by a combined eight points.

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The Vols really need a victory on Saturday in Knoxville to get a team that was once No. 1 in the country for over a month back on track.

Let’s dive into my Q&A preview with Gators Country’s Nick Marcinko.

SRM - Were you surprised Florida was able to blow out UT in Gainesville and do you think that's possible again in Knoxville on Saturday?

GC - I wasn't surprised that Florida beat Tennessee as they've done a good job defending home court dating back to last season, but I would be lying if I said I saw a 30-point win coming. Florida has a dangerous group of guards that can run up the score on anyone, but with Tennessee coming off back-to-back close losses and three of their last four games, I feel that they will come out ready to play in front of their home crowd.

SRM - Biggest issue facing the Gators winning in Knoxville on Saturday is what?

GC - Finding ways to get better shots up against a challenging Tennessee defense. Although Florida won easily the first time around, they still shot less than 40% from the field. The Gators were able to score 73 points due to 19 offensive rebounds. Florida has struggled finding a guy that can create separation against good teams outside of Walter Clayton Jr.

SRM - Matchup to watch between the Vols and Gators?

GC - Chaz Lanier vs Will Richard. Todd Golden has been putting Richard on opposing teams' best scorer and he's done an incredible job. Richard has really improved defensively this season. The matchup on the glass will determine the outcome of the game.

SRM - Where is Florida vulnerable right now?

GC - Florida has really struggled to start games off with the same intensity and effort they finish games with. They don't have too many weaknesses at 18-2, but Florida's two losses came when they failed to defend the three point line. Limiting three point attempts will be critical for Florida's chances on Saturday.

SRM - Biggest question you have about Tennessee coming into this game? Rick Barnes, Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, or someone else?

GC - 5. The biggest question I have for Tennessee is Igor Milicic Jr., who is shooting career lows in field goal percentage (46.1) and three point percentage (28.4). If the Vols can get him going, he could be the X factor Tennessee needs to revamp their offense.

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The SRM Daily Column Schedule

Each day, I write a different column over here on SRM on the Tennessee Vols all year long.

MONDAY- 48 Hours After Tennessee Vols Recap

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WEDNESDAY- Tennessee Vols Wednesday Wonder

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The Chase Thomas Podcast Lineup

There are a lot of different ways to stay locked in on all the Tennessee Vols podcasting coverage I’m putting out every day.

Below is my weekly podcast lineup, so you always know what’s coming down the pike each day on the program. (Note: There are always surprise special Tennessee Vols guests that pop in throughout the week as well. Some examples include Volquest’s Brent Hubbs, Tennessee CF Hunter Ensley, 99.1 The Sports Animal’s Tyler Ivens, GoVols247’s Ryan Callahan, Tony Basilio, Sports Source’s John Pennington and so many others.)

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MONDAY - A Pod Divided w/ Fellow University of North Georgia alumni Matt Green

TUESDAY - Tennessee Vols Sports Guys w/ Rocky Top Insider’s Ryan Schumpert, Saturday Down South’s Ethan Stone and Omaha Production’s Jack Foster

WEDNESDAY - More Important Issues w/ Landon Raby & Caleb Mitchell

THURSDAY - A Pod Divided w/ Fellow University of North Georgia alumni Matt Green

THURSDAY - Vols Hoops Hour w/ Vol Report’s Ryan Sylvia

FRIDAY - Vols Best Bets & Tennessee Baseball w/ Omaha Production’s Jack Foster