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Paul Finebaum makes bold prediction on Tennessee vs. Florida, goes bolder on Alabama

Untitled design (2)by: Sam Gillenwater09/18/22samdg_33
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David Rosenblum | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images - Joe Robbins | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images - Kevin C. Cox | Getty Images

Tennessee & Florida have one of the more bitter rivalries in the SEC. While they’re not in-state rivals or opponents that border each other, there’s no love lost between the Volunteers and the Gators. With the two programs facing off again next weekend, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum had some hot takes when it came to this year’s matchup, specifically about Tennessee.

Finebaum joined anchor Matt Barrie on ESPN’s ‘Week 3 Recap’ and previewed this weekend’s Top-20 matchup in Neyland Stadium. While it will mean a lot to a Tennessee program that hasn’t beaten Florida often over the last few years, he says it won’t mean as much as it normally would due to the deficiencies the Gators have shown the last two weeks.

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“This is going to be a big event and a big weekend in Knoxville. So much is on the line,” said Finebaum. “It doesn’t feel (that way) to me…as it’s not going to be that big of a statement to beat Florida. Which I think Tennessee will. Tennessee is a little bit banged up, but this Florida team looks so vulnerable.”

Florida beat a Top-10 Utah team to open their season. The Gators then lost to Kentucky while USF then had them on the ropes the following two weeks. Meanwhile, Tennessee has started 3-0 including a win over a ranked Pittsburgh team on the road.

The Volunteers are starting to build something special under Josh Heupel. Their offense is proving it can compete and outshoot just about anyone in the country. In Finebaum’s opinion, Volunteer fans shouldn’t have their eyes set solely on Florida. He believes Tennessee could go big game hunting come October 15th when the Crimson Tide come to town.

“As big as this weekend is going to be…the Alabama game is suddenly going to take on epic meaning because there’s a sense that maybe this Alabama team is a little bit vulnerable,” said Finebaum.

All Tennessee can do is play the team that’s in front of them each Saturday. That means focusing on Florida first followed by LSU down in Baton Rouge. Even so, their date with Nick Saban’s team is nearing. Whether you believe in Tennessee’s strong start or Alabama’s early deficiencies, the Volunteers will have their chance in that one with it being played on Rocky Top. While a win over Florida would mean plenty to that fanbase, Paul Finebaum is starting to believe Tennessee is capable of throwing a real knockout punch come next month against the Tide.