'It's just hard to pick them' - ESPN's Rece Davis and Pete Thamel predict who will win the Florida vs Tennessee matchup

The Tennessee Vols head to Gainesville on Saturday for a late-season showdown in the Swamp with the Florida Gators.

Tennessee and Florida typically play early in the season (usually in September). But this season's matchup, for whatever reason, landed in late November.

The Vols haven't won in the Swamp since 2003.

ESPN's Rece Davis and Pete Thamel predict who will win the Florida vs Tennessee matchup

ESPN's Rece Davis and Pete Thamel made their picks for this weekend's biggest games and they both have Tennessee beating Florida on Saturday night.

"I think you have to take Tennessee rolling here in the swamp," said Thamel. "Florida has shown a little mettle since Billy Napier's firing. They're certainly still talented, but it's just hard to pick them at this point, because they just keep losing."

"I feel the same way," added Davis. "Now, would it shock me beyond words if they show up and play a great game? Because we've talked about how they've got talent. They gave Ole Miss a really good fight. But then they also sort of played, as you might expect, against Kentucky (Florida lost by 31 points to Kentucky).

"I think Tennessee rolls in this game and sets up a pretty significant game with Vanderbilt for positioning and bragging rights. And Vanderbilt's outside playoff hopes -- they're still hoping that they aren't overlooked and they can get in the at large pool....I'll take Tennessee to win that game on the road, though. A rare Swamp win for them."

Tennessee are certainly expecting to see the best version of this season's Florida team this week.

The Vols and the Gators are set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday night.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the Nashville section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.