Not in an artistic way, but Tennessee football is happy about every win against Florida

Tennessee football put a bitter surprise loss against Arkansas behind it and put its dismal history behind it Saturday at Neyland Stadium against Florida. How about a productive weekend?

But UT's 23-17 victory margin might be more significant. The ninth-seeded Vols could further boost their College Football Playoff hopes if all goes well against Alabama next week.

However, that is a topic for another day.

There was nothing artistic about the win, which required overtime after Florida scored with 29 seconds left to tie the game. But Tennessee's victories over Florida should be appreciated, not overanalyzed. They don't come around that often.

In a game that featured several momentum shifts – and key injuries – the Vols managed just their third win in the last 20 games against Florida.

With the conference now reorganized into a 16-team conglomerate, Tennessee's win didn't have as much of an impact on the standings as it did when the Vols and Gators competed in the SEC East. But it was significant for a team that had faltered terribly a week earlier against 13.5-point underdog Arkansas. It was also important for a Tennessee fan base that has long suffered from Florida fatigue.

The game started off more of the same. It was also similar to the Arkansas game, but with a better ending in Tennessee. Star running back Dylan Samson scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Vols overcame a 10-0 deficit to increase their record to 5-1 at the midpoint of the season.

Like Arkansas, Florida repeatedly missed scoring opportunities in the first half. And like the Arkansas game, UT overcame a slow start and took the lead. But Florida forced overtime on a 27-yard touchdown pass from freshman DJ Lagway to Chimere Dike.

The Gators might have had a better chance of winning in regulation if not for game-ending injuries to running back Montrell Johnson (second quarter) and quarterback Graham Mertz (third quarter). The Vols also suffered attrition when one of their defensive players – linebacker Keenan Pili – was sidelined early in the game with a leg injury.

Florida couldn't help itself even though it outscored UT in the first half. His offensive problems included a fumble by Mertz at the Tennessee 1-yard line – which was forced and recovered by defensive end James Pearce – and a lost field goal.

Florida coach Billy Napier, who has seemingly been on the hot seat since he was hired, was the mastermind behind the lost three points. He wasted his final timeout in the first half, forcing the Gators to kick a last-second field goal. Even though Trey Smack took the shot, Florida was cited for an illegal substitution.

So the Gators watched helplessly as the officials conducted a 10-second runoff after the penalty.

Florida had more rushing and passing yards than the Vols in the first half. They also forced two Tennessee turnovers. But all they had to show for it was a 3-0 lead.

Halftime also featured one of Josh Heupel's strangest calls in his three and a half seasons at Tennessee. The Vols coach decided to go for a four-and-1 from their own 11 late in the second quarter. Luckily for Heupel, running back DeSean Bishop picked up the first down. But the call reeked of desperation.

Given Tennessee's litany of mistakes, Heupel's desperation was understandable.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava lost a fumble on a handoff exchange and threw an interception into Florida's tight coverage. He also missed a few deep throws, one of which was caught. Many of his problems stemmed from an early Gators pass rush that, like Arkansas's, took advantage of Tennessee's difficulties at offensive tackle.

But UT's defense often made up for its offensive mistakes. This defense was at its best in overtime as it held the Gators back until they were forced to attempt a 47-yard field goal in overtime. The kick dropped just right, setting Tennessee up for a victory that brought back a fond memory for its fans.

OVERREACTIONS: Dylan Sampson should be in the Heisman conversation and more overreactions between Tennessee football and Florida

The last time the Vols beat Florida in overtime at Neyland Stadium was in 1998. That 20-17 victory was one of their biggest victories en route to an undefeated national championship season.

Tennessee is now a long way from that. But it's much better off than it was a week earlier in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He can be reached at 865-342-6284 or [email protected]. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns

Not in an artistic way, but Tennessee football is happy about every win against Florida

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