Game Two: 2006 Florida Gators (13-1) vs 1997 Tennessee Volunteers (11-2)
Tale of the tape:
'06 Florida:
Points Per Game: 29
Points Allowed Per Game: 14
Avg. Margin of Victory: 18
Key wins: #3 LSU, #25 Tennessee, #23 Georgia, #2 Ohio State
Losses: #9 Auburn
'97 Tennessee:
Points Per Game: 33
Points Allowed Per Game: 22
Avg. Margin of Victory: 16
Key wins: #11 Auburn, #5 UCLA, #10 Georgia,
Losses: #2 Nebraska, #4 Florida
Argument for Tennessee:
The 97 Vols were a bit of an anomaly. One one hand, their potent offense led by Peyton Manning had no trouble finding the end zone. But they had a hard time closing out games because their defense allowed 22 points per contest. They matched up well against the '06 Gators in a number of areas. Florida didn't face an offense in 2006 that was nearly as effective as the '97 Vols. Manning was great, but the Gators defense would also have to account for Jamal Lewis, which would be a concern. If UT is to win this game, they need the score to possibly creep into the 30s.
Argument for Florida:
Even though the '06 Gators played too many close games for their own comfort, their physicality on defense and multiple means of attack on offense, ultimately resulted in them winning all but one game. Against the '97 Vols, Florida would match up well in terms of team speed and defensive skill. Manning would have some success against the Florida secondary, but Freshman Brandon Spikes at LB and DL Derrick Harvey would win their share of wars against the UT offensive line. For Florida to win, they need to keep the score low, and utilize hybrid Leak/Tebow QB attack to keep the somewhat average Volunteer defense on its heels.
How it Plays Out:
Peyton and his offense come out early and punch the Gator defense in the mouth. In the opening drive the Vols find a combination of quick hitting passes and a pounding running game to coast into the end zone. Florida is unable to answer with on the initial drive, and UT parlays that into a 38 yard field goal that was setup buy a screen pass to Lewis.
After falling behind early 13-3 to the Vols, the UF offense ramps it up late in the second Quarter. Leak finds Dallas Baker on a deep post in the back of the end zone. To start the second half, the Vols see a promising drive stalled by a Reggie Nelson interception deep in Gator territory. Florida then counters with a 1-2 punch of Leak and Tebow down the field with a punctuation mark of Tim Tebow burrowing his way into the endzone from 2 yards out.
Up 17-13, the Gators find themselves playing ball control in the 4th. Grinding out 1st downs from Tebow and RB DeShawn Wynn allows Florida to eat 6 minutes off the clock. Unfortunately for Florida, they are unable to capitalize on their efforts as Chris Hetland pushes a 41 yard attempt wide. Peyton counters with a quick drive down the field and finds Marcus Nash in the back of the end zone.
With 2:39 left in the game, Florida takes the field down 20-17. On a key 3rd down, Chris Leak takes off for a 16 yard run after his protection breaks down. Tebow then steps in and for the first time in the game, attempts a pass. Catching the UT secondary off guard, the streaking Percy Harvin snags a Tebow toss down the right sideline and walks into the end zone.
On the ensuing UT drive, Manning sees his Hail Mary toss fall to the ground at the 3 yard line as time expires, sealing a Gator victory.
Final Score: Florida 24 Tennessee 20
Link to Bracket (possible spoiler)
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