Key Matchups That Could Decide Florida vs. Tennessee

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Saturday will feature the first ranked matchup between No. 20 Floridaand No. 11 Tennesseesince 2017, with the Volunteers heavily favored to snap a five-game skid against the Gators and defeat UF for just the second time since 2005.Ultimately, this game is going to come down to the success of the Volunteers high-powered offense and the ripple effects it will have on the Gators, both defensively and offensively.All Gators three key matchups for the contest reflect that reality.Gators passing defense vs. the Vols passing offenseThe Gators passing defense has been stout through the first three weeks of the season, ranking fourth in the SEC in completion percentage allowed Isaac Green Jersey, fifth in yards per gameand second in interceptions.Tennessee, led by quarterback Hendon Hooker, presents a different kind of challenge than the passing offenses Florida has previously faced provided. Hooker touchdown-to-interception ratio across his 14 starts for the Vols is 34-to-2; he ranks fifth in the conference in completion percentage , fourth in passing yards , third in yards per attempt , and is one of only three SEC starting QBswithout an interception this year.Florida is specifically going to have to rely on its four-man pass rush to get home this week, with seven coverage defenders holding up on their end of the bargain. Hooker has been effective under pressure this year when he gets the ball out Byron Young Jersey, going four-of-six for 67 yards and a touchdown. That being said, he been sacked six times on his 14 pressured dropbacks.He stands out against the blitz, though: 17-of-22 for 300 yards and two touchdowns against five or more rushers. He can quickly identify gaps in the defense when extra rushers are sent his way and get the ball to his check down.If the Gators secondary and linebackers can provide adequate coverage in the raucous environment, UF four-man rush could find some success that ultimately slows the Vols down. That wont be an easy task against such an up-tempo offense and it will certainly test the unit discipline.Star Vols receiver Cedric Tillman status is in doubt to an ankle injury which could benefit the Gators, but five other Tennessee wide receivers have scored at least one touchdown through the first quarter of the season. Jalin Hyatt production is basically identical to Tillman this year, having posted 17 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns.Anthony Richardson vs. Hendon HookerHooker has proven to be an efficient quarterback with the arm to push the ball down the field and the athleticism to make plays with his feet not as physically or athletically gifted, but essentially the type of dominant quarterback many have envisioned in UF Anthony Richardson.