University of Tennessee Athletics
1st Time Combatants Ready For Vols-Gators
September 30, 2014 | Football
By Brian Rice KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
UTSports.com
The expansion of the SEC in 1992 and split of the 12-team conference into divisions made the annual meeting between the Vols and Gators into an elimination game of sorts for a trip to Atlanta. That is the Tennessee-Florida rivalry that in-state freshmen Jalen Hurd, Todd Kelly, Jr. and Josh Malone grew up with. And it's one they will participate in for the first time on Saturday.
"I grew up watching this game," Hurd said. "My grandparents were always yelling at the TV, my parents did the same thing. Being able now to play in the game and have an effect on the outcome is going to be amazing."
Kelly's father Todd Kelly, Sr. experienced the rivalry first-hand as a player from 1989-92. He had a sack as part of a huge day for the Tennessee defense in the Vols' win in the downpour over the Gators, 31-14, in 1992.
Now, the junior Kelly is ready to etch his own name in the story of the rivalry.
"Being an in-state guy, I know what the rivalry is all about," he said. "My dad played in it, it's a big game, it's a rivalry and we want to come out with a win and nothing else. I've got to bring my best, it's my time."
Head coach Butch Jones said earlier this week that the team has to treat every game the same, on and off the field, that no one game is more important that the others. The players have their focus on preparing for the opponent, but admit that the feeling they get from the fans puts a little extra in the tank for the week.
"We treat every game the same, but as we get to Florida, you feel a little more oomph," Hurd said. "You feel the fans getting a little more excited."
The passion the fans have for the rivalry is one part of the motivation. The other is sheer numbers. Florida has won nine consecutive games in the series, a fact Jones reminded his players of only by reminding them the freshmen were in third grade when James Wilhoit's winning field goal sailed through the uprights in 2004.
The opportunity is not just limited to history. With the SEC East a seemingly wide-open race, a win Saturday could be a springboard to an even bigger turnaround.
"I know it's intense," Malone said. "The fans hate Florida and the Florida fans hate us. It's something you live with growing up in Tennessee. It would feel great to end the streak and build off of it, that's all we're trying to do."
