Pugh: Rivalry Renewed

Notre Dame, USC, Miami...college football is a better product when certain teams are playing at a high level. Tennessee is one of the those teams. The Vols can take a step towards getting back to prominence this weekend when the Florida Gators come to town.

Courtesy: GoVolsXtra

From 1992 to 2004, Florida vs Tennessee was one of the marquee matchups every season. A big September game that had implications for the winner of the SEC East. The schools have a combined 4 National Championships in the last 15 years. In recent memory, Florida has dominated by winning 7 straight with a combined score of 213-106. Not only that, but the Gators won 2 National Titles in those 7 years, while the Vols have been through 3 different head coaches and struggled to stay about .500. That could change this weekend.

For the first time since 2007, #23 Tennessee and #18 Florida both enter Saturday's showdown in the top 25. ESPN's College Gameday will be in town for the first time since 2004. The Florida vs Tennessee game is the second highest Gameday showdown, only Florida vs Florida State has been featured more.

Courtesy: al.com

Will Muschamp secured his first big win as Gators head coach last week at Texas A&M. Derek Dooley is still searching for that signature win with the Vols. Not only could this weekend be a signature win, but it could cool down the hot seat that he's currently sitting on. His record is 13-14 at Tennessee, with his only conference wins coming against Vandy, Kentucky, and Ole Miss. His biggest wins came against Cincy and NC State, 2 teams from weaker football conferences. A loss to Florida would not necessarily mean Dooley's days are numbered, but it would certainly rattle the confidence cages.

Courtesy: utsports.com

The experts have favored Tennessee to win Saturday. The Vols come in with a potent passing attack led by Tyler Bray, Justin Hunter, and Cordarrelle Patterson. On the other side, the Gators have plenty of confidence after winning on the road last week. Their offense may not put up the big passing numbers, but Jeff Driskel continues to improve, and has one of the best running backs in the SEC, Mike Gillislee, to guide him.

Regardless of what happens, it's great for college football to have the Florida-Tennessee rivalry alive and well again. Will dominance continue for the Gators or can Tennessee take a step in the right direction? Saturday will be fun to watch.