The Vols won two of their last three contests in “The Swamp,” claiming a 34-32 win in 2001 and a 24-10 triumph in 2003.
This series recently has been dictated by the running game, as the team with the most rushing yardage has won 15 of the last 17 meetings (UF won in 2000 and 2002 despite being outgained on the ground).
Junior tailback Arian Foster has played extremely well in Tennessee’s two opening games this season, evoking memories of his breakout 2005 campaign, during which he rushed for at least 100 yards in each of his five starts. Foster leads the Vols deep corps of tailbacks this year, averaging 107.0 rushing yards per game. He is averaging 5.9 yards per carry and has a pair of rushing touchdowns so far.
"The running game, as I said, is crucial," Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer said.. "You go back and see that the team that has rushed the best has won the most games, We are working diligently to continue to find our balance from an offensive standpoint. I thought the second half of the Southern Miss game was more like we would like to look"
The biggest question mark for the Vols has not been the offense, however, as the defense has struggled in the season's opening two games. After giving up 471 total yards against Cal, 230 of which came on the ground, Tennessee once again came out flat against Southern Miss giving up 16 points and over 250 yards in the first half.
"We've got to tackle well," said Fulmer. "We've got to play good assignment football because of the potential for the option and the other things that we will see."
The key to the option, and the entire Florida offense, will be quarterback Tim Tebow who was a main contributor to the victory over the Vols last season in Knoxville.
"Their offense centers on their outstanding quarterback, Tebow," Fulmer said. "He is a really special football player, a big guy that can run and throw it."
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