Colleges

NO. 7 Florida (2-0) at NO. 13 Tennessee (2-0), 8

By ANTONYA ENGLISH
Published September 16, 2006

In a series that has been defined by the running game, the Gators are in search of theirs. Senior running back DeShawn Wynn is nursing a sore neck, and backups Kestahn Moore and Markus Manson have yet to have breakout performances. In the past 16 games, the team that has rushed for more yards has won 14 times, and UF offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said the Gators plan to emphasize the run. Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge leads the nation in passing efficiency, but he'll be up against a team that is fourth in the SEC in passing defense and second in total defense. The Gators plan to use the same pressure defense they applied in the first two games. The Vols will be without starting cornerback Inky Johnson (nerve injury to shoulder) in this SEC opener, but defensive tackle Justin Harrell is scheduled to play with a ruptured tendon in his biceps. Vols receiver Robert Meachem has had consecutive 100-yard games and at 6 feet 4 could pose a problem for cornerback Ryan Smith, who is 5-10. One of UF's biggest problems may be its youth. It has played 19 freshmen and must be concerned about how they'll react to the 104,000-plus fans at Neyland Stadium. Florida has spent the past two weeks working on silent cadences and practicing with loud music, but nothing beats experience.

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 02:13:17]