FOOTBALL

Gators Extra: Florida vs. Tennessee pregame notebook

Special to Gatorsports.com
Florida linebacker Jeremiah Moon (7) leaps in the air as the Gators hit the field after being introduced last week vs. Alabam at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Tennessee (2-1, 0-0 SEC) at No. 11 Florida (2-1, 0-1)

Today: 7 p.m.  TV: ESPN. Radio: 103.7-FM, AM-850

Line: Florida by 19 ½, according to Tipico Sportsbook.

Series record: Florida leads 30-20, including four in a row.

What's At Stake in Gators vs. Vols?

Florida tries to bounce back from a gut-wrenching home loss to top-ranked and defending national champion Alabama and extend its dominance over Tennessee. The Gators have won 15 of the last 16 against the Volunteers, who are on the road for the first time this season. Tennessee has dropped eight straight in Gainesville, last winning in 2003.

Key Matchup in Gators vs. Vols

Florida’s vaunted ground game versus Tennessee’s stout run defense. The Gators rank second in the nation in rushing, averaging 335.7 yards a game. The Volunteers have allowed 54.3 yards a game on the ground, which is tied for fifth nationally.

Players to watch today in The Swamp

Tennessee: Virginia Tech graduate transfer QB Hendon Hooker could get a second straight start in place of former Michigan starter Joe Milton, who suffered a lower body injury against Pittsburgh and was held out last week against Tennessee Tech.

Florida: All eyes will again be on Florida backup QB Anthony Richardson. The redshirt freshman was held out last week against Alabama because of a right hamstring injury. He has 275 yards rushing and two touchdowns to go along with 192 yards passing and two scores in limited action behind Emory Jones.

Facts & Figures

Tennessee has scored at least 30 points in each of its first three games for the first time since 2004. The Vols are averaging 42.7 points, third in the SEC and tied for 15th in the FBS. ... Tennessee has a 38-0 scoring edge in the first quarter this season and is one of two SEC teams yet to give up a point in the first quarter with Arkansas. … Florida has topped 400 yards of offense in 13 consecutive games, tied for the longest streak in the nation. … Florida’s 1,007 yards rushing is its most through three games in 45 years.

Mark Long of The Associated Press contributed to this report.