Tennessee heads to Gainesville for a night game in The Swamp, a place they haven’t won in since 2003.
The Vols will face a Florida team that’s battered, short-handed and sitting in interim-coach limbo, on Saturday.
Still, the Gators insist their resolve hasn’t wavered.
With a near sellout expected and a 10-game home winning streak over Tennessee on the line, Gainesville Sun reporter Kevin Brockway, who joined this week’s Live Ball show, said, “There’s a little bit to play for here.”
Turnovers and zone coverage remain Lagway’s challenge
Turnovers loom large again this week as quarterback DJ Lagway continues to develop.
Over the last two games Lagway has thrown four interceptions, which brings his season total to 13 interceptions to 12 touchdown .
“He was really banged up in the offseason,” Brockway said. “Didn’t get a lot of time in terms of physical reps… but zone coverages have been a problem for him.”
“It seems like that’s his kryptonite at the moment,” he added.
Injuries hit Florida’s receivers hard
A depleted receiver room has also contributed to Lagway’s inconsistency.
“They’re pretty banged up,” Brockway said.
Dallas Wilson missed the first four games due to injury, then flashed with 12 catches for 174 yards and three scores. Unfortunately for Florida, Wilson was reinjured against Georgia and is out against the Vols. Eugene Wilson is out for the year, removing one of Florida’s most productive playmakers.
The injuries have left Lagway working with UCLA transfer J. Michael Sturdivant, freshman Will Brown, and others being pushed into larger roles.
Brockway said Lagway is trending upward: “He’s throwing the deep ball a little better, and I think he feels like he has to leave something on tape potentially for the next coach.”
Jadan Baugh carrying the offense
With the passing game limited, running back Jadan Baugh remains Florida’s most reliable weapon.
“You could argue that he’s the team MVP this season,” Brockway said. “He’s very good [as a] pass catcher. He’s kind of a versatile guy that can do a lot of different things.”
At 5-foot-11 and 231 pounds, Baugh’s blend of strength and speed has separated him.
“He’s the strongest guy on the team, he can break tackles, and he has the speed too,” Brockway said.
Baugh’s 800-plus rushing yards account for nearly 60% of Florida’s team total.
Expect designed runs for Lagway
For Florida to win, Brockway said they’ll need production beyond Baugh alone.
“We’re seeing a little more of him spreading out a little bit and actually using DJ Lagway in the run game,” Brockway said of playcaller Billy Gonzales.
There’s a chance Florida could draw up designed runs for Lawgway as his health continues to improve. It would be a new wrinkle for the offense as the Gators rarely used under former coach Billy Napier.
“Don’t be surprised if you see DJ in some designed runs as well,” Brockway said.
Caleb Banks returns to boost the defense
Also, Florida gets a significant defensive lift with the return of tackle Caleb Banks, a projected first-round NFL Draft pick.
“He’s a guy that can bring pressure up the middle, for sure,” Brockway said.
Despite Florida’s 3–7 record, Banks’ decision to return reflects the locker room’s mentality.
“They didn’t quit under Billy,” Brockway said. “It’s not really for lack of effort… This is a team that’s played hard.”
Penalties, turnovers and inconsistency, not effort, have defined the season.
“Penalties have been crippling,” Brockway said. “Playing sustained, clean game for four quarters… that’s been highly elusive for Florida. That’s why they are where they sit right now.”
Keys to beating Tennessee
To preserve their decade of Swamp dominance over the Vols, Brockway said Florida must match pace, avoid breakdowns and stay efficient.
“You’re gonna have to score, be consistent, handle Tennessee tempo,” he said.
Florida has experience defending fast-paced offenses but must limit substitution issues and mental mistakes. And, as Brockway noted, the turnover margin may decide the night.
“If DJ Lagway can get on a little roll… maybe you steal a few,” he said. “If you win the turnover margin and field-position situations and put some points on the board… you’re not gonna get by winning this game scoring in the 20s. At least in the 30s.”
