Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel had a big day for the Gators at Neyland Stadium. (US Presswire)
FLORIDA WON: Jeff Driskel threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns and had another 82 yards rushing to lead No. 17 Florida to a 37-20 win over No. 23 Tennessee in Knoxville. The Gators piled up 559 total yards and ripped off two key plays of more than 75 yards during a key eight-minute stretch of the second half to break open a close game. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray had a rough outing, completing just half his passes (22/44) while getting picked off twice, and the Florida defense came up big in the fourth quarter. It's the eighth consecutive win for the Gators over the Vols.
WHY FLORIDA WON: The Gators' offense finally exploded, overwhelming Tennessee with 559 total yards and some timely long-gainers. Sophomore quarterback Driskel had the best game of his career with 301 yards of total offense and Florida piled up 336 yards on the ground. This was the offensive performance Florida needed to get on track.
WHEN FLORIDA WON: Up 27-20, Matt Elam intercepted a Bray pass at the Tennesee 30 with 3:15 left in the third quarter. Three plays later, Driskel connected with tight end Jordan Reed for a 23-yard touchdown pass and Florida's lead expanded to 34-20. Tennessee never crossed midfield again and the game was in hand.
WHAT FLORIDA WON: This was a much-needed win for Florida coach Will Muschamp. The Gators established themselves as Georgia's main competition for the SEC East title and showed that, despite claims to the contrary, there is plenty of talent on hand in Gainesville to compete in college football's toughest league.
WHAT TENNESSEE LOST: The Volunteers had a chance to snap a seven-game losing streak to the Gators and build some momentum heading into a showdown against Georgia on Sept. 29. Now it's back to the drawing board for embattled coach Derek Dooley.
THAT WAS CRAZY: Florida had its most offensive yards since the 2009 team led by Tim Tebow went for 659 yards in a Sugar Bowl win over Cincinnati.
