Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/12/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Florida Gators hit the road to face the Tennessee Volunteers.

Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Florida Gators +500 (ESPN BET) / Tennessee Volunteers -650 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -15.5 - Florida Gators -110 (FanDuel) / Tennessee Volunteers -110 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 54.5 - Under -110 (BetMGM) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 10/12/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, TN)
TV: ESPN

Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers Preview

The Florida Gators travel to Knoxville to face the Tennessee Volunteers in a pivotal SEC matchup at Neyland Stadium. The Gators, coming off a 24-13 victory over UCF, have shown signs of improvement, particularly on defense, where they managed to hold a high-powered Knights offense to just 273 total yards. Florida's defense, led by standout performances from players like George Gumbs Jr., who recorded 1.5 sacks, will need to maintain this momentum against a formidable Tennessee offense.

Florida's offense, orchestrated by quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway, has been efficient, with Mertz completing 19 of 23 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown against UCF. The Gators' receiving corps, including Chimere Dike and Elijhah Badger, has stepped up in the absence of key players, providing reliable targets and contributing significantly to the team's recent success.

On the other side, the Tennessee Volunteers, ranked No. 9 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, are looking to bounce back after a surprising 19-14 loss to Arkansas. Despite the setback, Tennessee boasts a potent offense led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has been a key figure in the Volunteers' high-scoring games earlier in the season. Running back Dylan Sampson has also been a crucial component, showcasing his ability with 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas.

Tennessee's defense, which has been one of the best in the nation, will be tested by Florida's balanced offensive attack. The Volunteers have been particularly strong against the run, a factor that could play a significant role in determining the outcome of this game. With both teams eager to solidify their standings in the SEC, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter under the lights at Neyland Stadium.

Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers Pick: Tennessee Volunteers Against the Spread

The Tennessee Volunteers are poised to cover the spread against the Florida Gators in their upcoming SEC clash at Neyland Stadium. Despite a recent setback against Arkansas, Tennessee remains a formidable force, particularly at home. The Volunteers have demonstrated their offensive prowess throughout the season, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who has been instrumental in orchestrating a high-scoring offense. With a potent running game spearheaded by Dylan Sampson, who amassed 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Arkansas, Tennessee's offense is well-equipped to challenge Florida's defense.

Florida, on the other hand, has shown signs of improvement, particularly on the defensive side, as evidenced by their recent victory over UCF. However, the Gators have struggled against top-tier opponents this season, as seen in their losses to Miami and Texas A&M. While Florida's defense managed to stifle UCF's high-powered offense, the challenge posed by Tennessee's balanced attack is of a different magnitude. The Volunteers' defense, one of the best in the nation, will likely stifle Florida's offensive efforts, especially given their strength against the run.

Historically, Tennessee has struggled against Florida, but this season presents a different narrative. The Volunteers have been dominant at home, and with the added motivation of bouncing back from a loss, they are expected to come out strong. The Gators, despite their recent wins, have yet to prove themselves against a team of Tennessee's caliber, particularly in a hostile environment like Neyland Stadium. With the Volunteers eager to solidify their position in the SEC standings, expect them to cover the spread and assert their dominance in this pivotal matchup.

Florida Gators at Tennessee Volunteers Top Player Prop Picks

Nico Iamaleava Over 250.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (DraftKings)

Nico Iamaleava has been a standout performer for the Tennessee Volunteers, leading a high-powered offense that has consistently put up impressive numbers. Despite a setback against Arkansas, Iamaleava's ability to orchestrate the Volunteers' attack remains unquestioned. With Tennessee's offense averaging 54 points per game earlier in the season, Iamaleava's passing prowess will be crucial against a Florida defense that, while improved, has yet to face a quarterback of his caliber. Given the Volunteers' need to bounce back and the home-field advantage at Neyland Stadium, Iamaleava is poised to exceed 250.5 passing yards.

Dylan Sampson Over 1.5 Rushing Touchdowns Rushing Touchdowns +120 (FanDuel)

Dylan Sampson has been a key component of Tennessee's offensive success, particularly in the red zone. His performance against Arkansas, where he rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns, underscores his ability to find the end zone. Florida's defense, although showing signs of improvement, will face a significant challenge in containing Sampson, especially given Tennessee's balanced offensive approach. With the Volunteers eager to reassert their dominance and Sampson's knack for scoring, betting on him to score over 1.5 rushing touchdowns offers value.

Graham Mertz Under 200.5 Passing Yards Passing Yards -110 (BetMGM)

Graham Mertz has been efficient for the Gators, but the upcoming matchup against Tennessee's formidable defense presents a daunting task. The Volunteers have been one of the best defensive units in the nation, particularly strong against the pass. Mertz's recent performance against UCF, where he threw for 179 yards, suggests that he may struggle to reach 200.5 passing yards against a more robust Tennessee defense. With the Volunteers' ability to apply pressure and disrupt passing lanes, Mertz is likely to fall short of this passing yardage mark.