Tennessee vs Florida Odds - Gators will make Kiffin, Vols pay for trash talk
As far as online betting goes, Saturday’s Tennessee vs Florida odds haven’t been a big draw. However, the rivalry known as the “Third Saturday in September” received a jolt when Lane Kiffin showed up at Tennessee and threw some verbal shots at Florida counterpart Urban Meyer. The Gators haven’t forgot those words, and it’ll fuel them to a spread cover.
Tennessee vs Florida Odds: Florida -28.5
- WHAT: College football betting
- WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 3:30 PM ET
- WHERE: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”), Gainesville, FL
- KEY STAT: Florida has won four in a row over Tennessee
- PICK: Florida
Tennessee vs Florida odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
Tennessee coach Kiffin, two months after joining the Volunteers, accused Florida’s Meyer of recruiting violations. Those comments have been bulletin-board material for the Gators, who have owned the Volunteers recently. A Tennessee win would be the biggest upset of the year, while the Gators are trying to protect a No.1 ranking. Betting Edge: Florida
Tennessee vs Florida odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Volunteers committed four turnovers in a 19-15 loss to UCLA at home, and Jonathon Crompton was picked off three times. He looked great in the season opener against Western Kentucky, but come on, it’s Western Kentucky. The Gators have scored 118 points in two games against Charleston Southern and Troy, so the Volunteers will be their biggest test to date. But with Tim Tebow at the helm and a whole slew of weapons, the Gators’ offense should be fine. Betting Edge: Florida
Tennessee vs Florida odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Vols have looked tough under Monte Kiffin, the defensive genius who left the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers to join his son at Tennessee. They held UCLA to 186 yards on Saturday, and definitely held up their end of the bargain. Safety Eric Berry may be the best defensive back in the country. The Gators returned all 11 of their starters from last year, and their backups are experienced as well. Here, the Vols match up much better with the Gators, who have a slight edge. Betting Edge: Florida
Tennessee vs Florida odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Neither team has any major injury worries coming into this contest, nothing that would affect the odds in your offshore sportsbook. Betting Edge: Draw
Tennessee vs Florida betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Gators have won four in a row over the Volunteers, and last year’s 30-6 win at Tennessee followed a 59-20 romp at Florida in 2007. Tennessee actually did a great job on Tebow in 2008, and the defense will be the only thing that keeps the Volunteers in this contest. Florida’s defense will feast on the Volunteers’ inept offense, and Tennessee may not reach double digits, which will be good enough for Florida to cover this massive spread. And there’ll be no mercy given; remember Georgia talking trash about Florida before last year’s meeting? Meyer called two late timeouts in a 49-10 thrashing just to make them think about it a little more. That may be nothing compared to Saturday. TONY’S PICK: Florida -28.5
For more sports betting picks and wagering tips throughout the season, bookmark Tony in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Tennessee vs Florida matchup, check out our stats section. Tony Bryant is one of betonline.com's college football experts.
