No. 8 Tennessee football aims to rebound from a disappointing loss to Arkansas by hosting arch-rival Florida on Saturday night. The kickoff between the Vols (4-1, 1-1 SEC) and Gators (3-2, 1-1 SEC) is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), and Kris Budden (sideline) on the call.
The Vols will return to Neyland Stadium for the first time in 28 days. It will be the first of four consecutive home games over a five-week period. They’ll do so in front of a sellout crowd that will fill the stadium for the eighth time in program history. The Big Orange will try to win its third straight Checker Neyland game in front of the 16th consecutive sellout.
Billy Napier, Florida’s head coach, spoke with the media on Monday to preview Tennessee’s game against the Gators. Here’s all Napier had to say about his program’s current status before their travel to Knoxville.
Opening statement:
“Just reviewing the game, and as we said afterward, I’m very grateful to our players and staff for their leadership not only last week, but throughout the entire date. Early on, we played with a certain mentality. I believe we took a step forward on defence. We played a good half of football on offence and can clearly improve significantly in the second half. We continue to perform well in the kicking game. Definitely a step forward.
“I believe it is critical that we hit the reset button and strive for consistency in the future. And, as I previously stated, if we want to be a constant competitor and field a championship-caliber squad, we must play championship-caliber defence. So thrilled with the direction there.
“Tennessee has a great football team. I believe all three members of their team present obstacles. While I admire their offence, the toughness of their run game, explosive plays, vertical shots, and perimeter concepts can be difficult to master. I believe they are improving their defensive performance. We’ve faced them every year while we’ve been here, and I think they’ve done an excellent job on this side of the ball. In terms of personnel and basics, statistically speaking, they are at the top of our league in almost every category. And I believe they do well in the kicking game. They clearly play hard, and I believe they are sound in what they do, as evidenced by their high productivity.
“We’re going to play in Knoxville against a club that, in my opinion, has a lot of potential and has been really remarkable this season. I understand they battled a little last week, but in our league right now, every week is like an NFL game. It’s coming down to the last seconds. So, we have respect for Tennessee. Obviously, this is a rivalry game with a rich history and tradition. I grew up watching this game, and there are many family relationships here that have a history with it.
“We understand the importance, and our players will undoubtedly be focused and enthused about preparing. I believe that fundamentals are extremely crucial in games like these. I believe you have to be tough to play on the road in this league. That will be part of the preparation. Overall, I’m excited about the week and looking forward to working with the players today.
Regarding the fact that only one SEC team remains undefeated:
“Yeah, this is my opinion: I just believe that the personnel, because of the portal, have the power to put teams together and fix roster difficulties. You have two times a year to address free agency. You can go and fix up some holes. I believe that all of the good players at the lower levels are moving up. There is a strong desire to play in this league, but the teams have the resources to put together incredibly good teams and rosters. So I believe there should be a little more parity. Another obvious point is that playing on the road is always difficult. So, I believe most coaches would agree with that.”
If the Gators will change their practice or travel schedule while the state of Florida prepares for Hurricane Milton:
“We had a few discussions yesterday and today. I believe that ultimately, we anticipate that today and tomorrow will be traditional, and that we will be prepared to adapt on Wednesday and Thursday. And look, I think one thing I’ve learnt, having lived in some locations that deal with this type of weather on a regular basis, is that you play it for six, twelve hours at a time, and I believe you’re prepared. You develop Plans A, B, and C. We did it yesterday. Effective operations require a strong team. We got a great one… We will be alright, and we are prepared to adjust.”
If Florida performed better against UCF than in their first four games of the season:
“Yeah, I thought we were better overall, in terms of effort, intensity, and pursuit. I believe we tackled better. Still have a handful. On their one touchdown possession, specifically that play, we had two secondary players who might be improved fundamentally. So, while we played well, we need to do it consistently. We have to continue to improve, right? We understand that we must continue to trend in the correct direction. I believe tackling is a big part of that.”
He believes Florida is close to establishing a championship-caliber defence.
“I believe we have recruited well. I believe that the personnel, height, length, and speed over there are gaining experience. I believe several of these people gained experience last year. I think we’re capable. I’ve stated publicly that I anticipated, and we anticipated, having a chance to be really good on defence. Now, we haven’t performed as well as we would like, but I believe the open date was beneficial, and I believe we made a positive move this past Saturday. So, once again, we have recruited. I believe there is still a lot of terrific, young talent on that side of the ball acquiring experience, and we must continue to enhance all aspects of what we do over there.
On the significance of the line of scrimmage in the SEC:
“I believe what you’re saying is the cumulative impact of playing effectively on early downs, creating some negatives (tackles for a loss), and creating passing downs where you can play coverage and go get the quarterback. And we did it better. I think the coverage and rush worked well together. I covered them quite well. I believe the haste idea was sound. We performed a good job with rush lane integrity. Crushed the pocket. When we had the chance to finish on the quarterback, we did so. I guess you’re right there. You have to play the early downs well in order to establish favourable (down and distance) situations where you can go get the guy.
Florida’s opportunity in the next weeks:
“The present league dynamics require a one-week timeframe. It’s as if you have to become absorbed with preparation. You need to prepare with humility so that you may play confidently. There must be a healthy respect for each opponent, regardless of where they play or who they are playing. And then you have to grind it out. I believe that each day of the week requires a certain level of self-discipline to tick the boxes and remain prepared for the players when they arrive at the premises. Their mindset is crucial for successful preparedness. I believe that having the self-discipline to accomplish that regularly every week will set you apart.”
Tennessee’s offence has struggled against Oklahoma and Arkansas, but is performing well at home.
“I agree with some of your points about home and away. In particular, the difficulty of playing on the road in this competition. That has been the case for a number of clubs in our league, including Tennessee. I believe we would agree. Overall, I hope it is not a track meet.
“Playing against Tennessee requires strategy to keep up. How do you do that?” I believe we were able to play complementary football in the game last year, and I believe there is some significance to it. Points are a premium. You do everything you have to do to score.
“I return to what I mentioned in the opening remarks. This is not merely an offensive football team. In my opinion, they are pretty solid on defence, personnel-wise, and I believe they have had some success in the kicking game. So they’re ranked, and they’ve received high praise in the preseason for a variety of reasons. I believe that is what I see on tape.”
Why did UCF make a comeback in the second half on Saturday night?
“No, we got three possessions in the second half. The first one involved a false start penalty. We made a mental error on third down. We had to punt. On our second possession, we had a 2nd-and-1 holding sack in the fringe. I mean, inexcusable play. So I believe we ultimately shot ourselves in the foot. Look, they had a lot of possession in the second half, right? However, the three possessions we had before the four-minute possession were a disaster. We missed a field goal. We incurred two fines. And, certainly, for us to be fired, to be fired on the fringes of that (down and distance), is unforgivable. I need to perform much better there.”
Arkansas’ defensive performance versus Tennessee:
“Arkansas has always been known for its strong defence. It wasn’t just Saturday night against Tennessee. You know, I believe I had a shot – we played them last year, and you just keep up with our league. I think they did an excellent job over there. But what I see on tape is very good fundamentals. They defend well at all three levels. The front, the second level, is tackling well on the open field. I believe they have everything under control on the back end. They have good personnel. I believe they are a rough, physical, gritty group, and that is what I witnessed.”
About Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava:
“He is a unicorn.”This dude stands 6’6″. I’m not sure how much he weighs, but he’s a big athlete—he’s ripping balls in the outside third, 15, 20 yards deep. He is throwing it. All vertical shots. He has a huge arm. He’s correct. He is able to escape and extend. He’s simply a young guy gaining experience, and he’ll continue to improve.There’s a lot of hype about him, and I think the tape shows why.”
Regarding Florida’s freshman quarterback, DJ Lagway:
“The compound effect here is that the more he plays, the more he prepares for the game. You’re prepared because you know you’re going to be out there and the team is counting on you. I believe we’ve found a rhythm with both of those guys performing well. Do not get me wrong. Isn’t it true that he is still learning things based on the situation? I believe that is the significance of the playing experience. I believe each of those individuals had an opportunity to be fairly good. I have to continue to play well around them. But both guys are playing well right now.
When facing a powerful offence, would he prefer a 15-play, eight-minute drive?
“I think there’s a complementing ball there. Despite numerous conversion downs versus UCF, we were successful in moving the ball. We’d like to create more explosive plays. That’s one area where we didn’t quite meet our target Saturday. You have to accept what the defence provides you to some extent. When faced with coverage, it’s common to opt for an intermediate path or check down. I believe there was some of that Saturday. But I believe there are certain advantages to chewing up some clock, keeping your defence on the sidelines, and keeping the play count down.”
A win over Tennessee would boost confidence and reduce noise.
“We must live in a world of preparation for competitiveness. I believe we are aware of the ramifications. We understand what it would mean for the program and this team. This is a huge game.This is Florida-Tennessee on the road, with a lot on the queue. I think for our squad, you have to remember that we are practicing for competition, right? We’re prepping. We have to go about it correctly. When we do things correctly, I believe we get a positive outcome. Self-discipline in terms of what we do off the pitch, our practice habits, our focus and intensity on the pitch, and then just keep preparing until we kick it off. And look, it takes hundreds of people to accomplish it. We get to play 11 at a time on game day. However, today we will have over 250 people contributing to how we practise and prepare. I believe that everyone has a responsibility, and you should do your best for the team. I believe that if we get a large number of individuals to do this, we will have a better chance of success.
About Florida punter Jeremy Crenshaw:
“He is elite. If he isn’t the top punter in the country, I’d like to know who is. And, hey, Jeremy isn’t only tremendously talented. I’ve seen him improve, exactly as he has this year. The finer details. This dude grinds now. The specialised conference room is immediately next to the quarterback meeting room, and that guy is there early. He stayed late. He is a detail-oriented guy. Jeremy is a team leader, which you can appreciate. He is the voice. He speaks up during team meetings and leadership groups. He possesses the ability to influence the other players. He’s a well-regarded individual. He’s an excellent competitor. Prior to switching to American football, he was a legitimate athlete.It’s a great story.”
Regarding Florida centre Jake Slaughter:
“He is definitely an anchor for our squad and offence right now. Just his enthusiasm and daily attitude. He sets the tone, together with (Graham) Mertz. Currently, there is a positive dynamic on offence in terms of unit meetings and practice fields. We have a lot of mature individuals who are tough and durable; they prepare properly. I think that’s rubbing off on some of the young guys.”
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