Billy Napier embracing importance of Florida-Tennessee rivalry

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•09/22/22•

ZachAbolverdi

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Born in Tennessee with “diehard” Vols in his family, Florida coach Billy Napier is no stranger to this rivalry between SEC East foes.

He was raised on some classic battles between Steve Spurrier and Phillip Fulmer in the 1990’s, when their teams combined for six straight SEC titles (1993-98) and two national championships.

“I grew up right in the middle of SEC country,” Napier, who was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, said Wednesday on the SEC teleconference. “In my time, Florida in particular had good teams. My family on my dad’s side were big Tennessee fans and still are. So, since I can remember this has been a huge game. I’m well aware of that. Certainly, our fans, they’re quick to point that out.”

The Gators have dominated the rivalry for nearly two decades, winning 16 of the last 17 games and five straight in the series. Billy Napier acknowledged that his team is cognizant of the recent streak.

“There’s definitely awareness. There’s so much tradition and history behind this game, the Eastern division. Really, I think our players and staff and anyone that’s up to speed on college football understands Florida-Tennessee. It’s always been an important game and certainly this Saturday is an important game,” he said.

“You can bank on showing up to a packed house and a rowdy group. … Tennessee’s got a really good football team then you’ve got College Gameday there. It’s gonna be a special environment.”

College Gameday is headed to Knoxville for the first time since 2016, when Tennessee played host to the Gators. That was also the last time the Vols were favored in this matchup (by five points) and the only time they’ve won (38-28) since 2004.

Florida is currently 10.5-point underdogs for Saturday’s game.

“The big thing is if you’re a competitor, you love and embrace these opportunities, right? One of the reasons why you want to be in this league is because these types of games and these types of opportunities,” Napier said. “Certainly, tons of respect for Tennessee and this rivalry.”

And tons of Tennessee fans in the Napier family. He expects those family members to switch sides this weekend and support Florida, but will any of them be rooting against him?

“Well, I don’t know that they would tell me that to my face,” Napier quipped. “Hopefully they’ll find a little soft spot for the Gators Saturday. We’ll see.”

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