The Ultimate College Football Road Trip takes on Tennessee

By Charlotte Wilder
FOX Sports Columnist  

Tennessee vs. Florida is always a big deal for Vol Nation.

Along with Alabama, the Gators are the Volunteers’ biggest rivals, to the point where Tennesseeans make a point to cook and eat alligators when Florida is in town. I respect the commitment to the bit. And since I am heading to Knoxville this week ahead of this matchup, I may have to try it (there’s a first for everything).  

But this year, the rivalry takes on new meaning. Because in 2022, Tennessee is actually good. In fact, Tennessee is so good that it is undefeated and currently ranked No. 11 in the country. This is the Vols’ best start since going 5-0 in 2016 (which, I am told, was six years ago, but feels like it was at least 15).

This year is decidedly different, and I’ll try not to jinx it as I explain why. Last year, the Vols went 7–6 overall and 4–4 in-conference under first-year head coach Josh Heupel. The year before that, they went 3-7. The year before that, they went 8-5. You get the picture. The last national championship win for Tennessee came in 1998, which was — wanna feel old? — several years before most of the players on this year’s team were born. 

So this is the first time in a while that most college football fans will be paying close attention to this classic SEC fight as the game kicks off on Saturday. And I am lucky enough to take in the full experience starting on Wednesday.

I’ll tell you what I’m looking forward to while I’m in town, but I’d really love your input. Where does our crew have to eat while we’re in Knoxville? What landmark can’t I miss? Who is the biggest super fan you know? 

Tweet at me or find me on Instagram, because I want to see the Tennessee that you see. I want the inside scoop. 

The actual football  

Since 2004, the Volunteers have only defeated Florida once.  

Once! In 18 years! That’s the same age as some of the players on the team! My goodness!  

That singular win came in 2016. So it’s safe to say that everyone in Knoxville could use a W against the Gators. And as I made clear above, this is the first year where it feels like there’s a chance. The Vols’ QB, Hendon Hooker, not only has the best name for a Tennessee quarterback, but he also has the best arm. It’s his sixth year in a college program … 

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