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Florida looks to continue success against Tennessee

Sep 20, 2008 - 10:08 AM Tennessee (1-1) at No. 4 Florida (2-0), 3:30 pm EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- While former Florida coach Steve Spurrier used to routinely torment Tennessee, current Gators mentor Urban Meyer also has enjoyed his share of success against the Volunteers.

Seeking a fourth straight victory in the series, fourth-ranked Florida visits Tennessee on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.

Meyer is 3-0 against the Volunteers, including a 59-20 romp last season in the "Swamp." With a win Saturday, he will join Spurrier as the only coaches to post four straight victories against Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer.

Florida's win last year was the largest margin of victory in the series since a 45-3 Tennessee win in 1990.

The loss dropped the Volunteers to 1-2 and prompted some Tennessee fans to draft a petition that Fulmer should be fired. However, Tennessee regrouped to win the SEC West title.

Fulmer, the dean of SEC coaches who is in his 16th full season at Tennessee, faced more criticism after a season-opening 27-24 overtime loss at UCLA in which the Vols allowed the Bruins to drive for a game-tying field goal in the final 27 seconds of regulation.

Tennessee (1-1, 0-0 SEC East) rebounded with a 35-3 win over UAB last week, as Jonathan Crompton completed 19-of-31 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Arian Foster rushed for 100 yards on 12 carries and has gained 196 yards in the Volunteers' first two games.

Florida (2-0, 0-0 SEC East) has been off since beating Miami, 26-3, on September 6, snapping a six-game losing streak in the series.

While reigning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow threw two touchdown passes against the Hurricanes, perhaps the biggest story for the Gators early in the season has been the play of their defense.

Florida has allowed only 13 points and ranks third in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total defense, allowing only 190.5 yards per game.

"I feel much better about our defense," Meyer said. "But this week will be the challenge of challenges so far (this season). If Tennessee runs the ball all over us, we won't win the game."

Meyer also is looking to become the first Florida coach to win in his first two visits at Tennessee. In 2006, the Gators posted a 21-20 victory at Neyland Stadium.