After a big-time win against Tennessee on Saturday, Jordan Castell and Cam Jackson were among those to earn SEC Weekly Honors.

GatorBaitMedia.com Standout running back Waltez Clark has verbally committed to the University of Florida, kickstarting the Gators' 2025 recruiting class with a bang. This announcement came hot on the heels of the Gators' resounding victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, a game that seemingly played a crucial role in cementing Clark's decision. Tipping the scales at 194 pounds and standing tall at 6-foot-2, Clark is a dynamo on the gridiron, showcasing a blend of power and agility that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His commitment is a huge for the Gators, who managed to snag him amidst fierce competition from Alabama and Ohio State. Currently ranked as the 128th prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite, Clark is anticipated to be a linchpin in sustaining the potency of the Gators' backfield, especially as they brace for the eventual transition of stars like Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne to the NFL. As the Gators forge ahead in assembling a squad capable of dominating the SEC, securing Clark's commitment marks a significant stride towards a bright future for the Gators. Many are eagerly tracking Clark's progression, foreseeing a transformative impact on for Billy Napier and his dominacne on the recruiting trail post 2024 class where they currently rank 3rd overall. Surly the rocking atmoshpher in the Swamp in the win of Tennessee will have ripple effects for a bright future on the recruiting trail for the Gators.

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Relive the Florida win over Tennessee through videos and photographs taken by Chris Spears and Brenden Martin of GatorBaitMedia.com All photos taken are by Chris Spears of GatorBaitMedia.com along with the videos by Brenden Martin.

Florida dominated the first half, or should I say Gator Nation dominated. The Volunteers had four penalties in the first half, in large part due to the crowd noise and energy in the stadium. This noise gave the Gators fuel. Photo of Florida Gator running back Trevor Etienne taking a carry 62 yards for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers. Photo via Chris Spears GatorBaitMedia.com In one of the more electric atmospheres Gainesville has seen in recent history, Trey Burton served as the honorary Mr. Two Bits before Billy Napier took the field with his team in the biggest game of his Florida career. Kingsley Eguakun also made his return as the starting center and served as one of the team’s four captains. Tennessee won the toss and deferred which allowed Graham Mertz and company to see the field early. After 7 and a half minutes and six Eugene Wilson touches on the first drive, Florida was forced to settle with a field goal attempt from the Volunteer’s 30. Adam Mihalek would miss badly short and looked as if someone had almost got a finger on it. Tennessee would take over and Joe Milton led them down the field in just two minutes to make the score 7-0 Volunteers, that fast. Milton made a beautiful throw down the sideline to get the Volunteers in the redone followed by a beautiful fade route where Jason Marshall got burned. Things turned up. Trevor Etienne lit up the Swamp in the Gainesville night on a 62-yard dash that left the fans covered in blue LED lights, one of its newest additions. The momentum shifted to the other side of the ball as the Gators were able to shut down the Volunteer’s offense and put the ball back in the hands of Mertz. Montrell Johnson joined the party on the third drive of the night, finding pay dirt and making 12-7 Florida. After a missed two-point conversion, the score remained 12-7 along with the problems with special teams thus far. The Gators really began to impose their will on both sides of the ball after pressure by Desmond Watson forced a fly ball by Joe Milton that was picked off by Devin Moore. Moore would bring it to the redone resulting in a QB sneak at the goal line for Graham Mertz, and the extra point was even converted this time after Trey Smack was put into the game to make it 19-7 Gators. After another hold by the defense, it allowed Mertz to get back to work and milk the clock before halftime. Thanks to 119 rush yards by Trevor Etienne pacing the Gator's offense, Mertz also went 17-20 for 146 yards along with a touchdown on both the ground in the air. Mertz would find Montrell Johnson for his second touchdown of the night on a slip screen followed by a nifty run, and a Trey Smack extra point would make the game 26-7. After one last defensive stand, the Gators head into the locker room up 26-7 after a near-perfect first half from Billy Napier's squad. The Gators finished with 281 yards, 16 first downs and had the ball for nearly 13 minutes more than Tennessee in the first half.

Trevor Etienne changed the pace of the game on a 62-yard touchdown scamper that fired up the offense and defense. Rushing for 172 yards and scoring a touchdown, Etienne set a career-high in rushing yards and captured the attention of the nation. Thanks to Etienne, the Gators were able to control the game and grab a 29-16 victory in front of a sold-out Swamp. “That place is special,” Napier said about The Swamp. “We have one of the best gamely atmospheres in all of college football.” Montrell Johnson found the end zone twice, with some nifty jukes en route to the endzone. This led to a victory for Florida, as they upset the 11th-ranked Tennessee team with a score of 29-16 on Saturday night, marking the Volunteers’ tenth consecutive loss in Gainesville. “Trevor was on fire out there tonight,” Billy Napier said after the game. Etienne was not expecting to be the lead back at the beginning of the night but was encouraged after his teammates supported him when he caught fire. “No. I had no idea,” Etienne said after being asked if he thought he would be the lead back. “It was shocking to me. I mean, I'm just thankful for those guys too because even though it was me in the game most of the time, they were still pushing me, still encouraging me, still giving me tips when I came off the field. So I'm just thankful to have those guys in my circle.” Etienne finished with 23 carries, another career-high for him. The Gators took a more conservative approach in the second half, where Etienne continuously gained chunk yards. A combined 10 touches between Etienne and Johnson against Utah in week one left Gator fans questionable around the play call. A tweet even by Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne Jr, Trevor’s brother, made a suggestion that his brother should even transfer from the university. Trevor touched on the impact of that game and how it has affected the running back room for the rest of the year. “Coming from the Utah game, we didn't really touch the ball that much,” Etienne said. “But the way we took it was how can we affect the game without the ball? How can we be a threat without the ball? We didn't try to focus on so much that we didn't get the ball. We just tried to worry about being the best teammate we could be without the ball.” The Gators are now ranked #25 in the new AP poll while Tennessee dropped to #23. Florida welcomes Charlotte to the Swamp next week.

The Florida Gators under second-year head coach Billy Napier find themselves at a crossroads that could define not only the rest of the 2023 but possibly define seasons to come. By Loren Meadows, GatorBairMedia.com, Football Analyst The Florida Gators under second-year head coach Billy Napier find themselves at a crossroads that could define not only the rest of the 2023 but possibly define seasons to come. While Billy Napier’s “organization” has flourished in terms of infrastructure, recruiting, and public relations, the Gators have found themselves on the short end of the stick when it comes to what historically have been some of Florida’s greatest games. In 2022 Napier was the first Gator first year coach to lose to all four rivals in a season. One of those losses was a 38-33 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. While the Gators managed to press the game until its last play there were several head-scratching decisions made by both players and coaches alike (particularly coaches) that left many to question the “organization’s” readiness to play bigtime football in big time games. With a 6-7 finish in 2022 and the aforementioned 0-4 record against their rivals the Napier led Gators welcome a Tennessee team that has not one in Gainesville since 2003 and seem to be dealing with their own issues after a lackluster showing against Austin Peay a week ago. The Volunteers held a private (but made public), “players only” meeting to clear the air as they prepared for the Gators while Coach Napier and crew cleared the stench of the Salt Lake in dominating McNeese. What is now before us is what will Florida and Tennessee look like Saturday night? Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has registered enough notches on the belt to keep the Volunteer faithful happy and engaged for the next twelve weeks. Coach Napier however is a guy that everyone likes while the on-field product has left a fragrance of inconsistency. Is this the week the Gators put it all together and plant a foot hold back in the SEC hierarchy or will Tennessee grab a generational win in The Swamp and takedown the Gators in consecutive years for the first time since 2004. Tennessee Offense: Key Players: #7 QB Joe Milton III (6-5, 235, R-Sr.), #0 RB Jaylen Wright (5-11, 210, Jr.), #2 RB Jabari Small (5-11, 213, Sr.), #9 WR Ramel Keyton (6-3, 197 Sr.), #10 WR Squirrel White (5-10, 165, So.), #15 WR Bru McCoy (6-3, 220, R-Sr.), #70 OL Andrej Karic (6-6, 310, Jr.), #74 OL John Campbell Jr. (6-5, 320, R-Sr.), #63 OL Cooper Mays (6-3, 305, Sr.) The Tennessee offense runs at breakneck speed averaging 76 offensive plays which is 25th nationally. The Volunteers force you to cover and defend all 53 1/3 of the football field in an attempt to stress the eye discipline and width of the defense. While flashy, the spread offense features tenants of the read option and power running game combined with a quick screens and multiple formations that threaten the ability of the defensive secondary to provide adequate run support. At the center of all the attention has been 6th year senior Joe Milton III. The Pahokee, FL native has garnered attention for his physical stature and equally impressive arm strength. Milton has been consistent but not stellar in his return to the starting lineup and has yet to throw an interception this season. While there may be doubts about his ability as a passer Florida will definitely have to account for Milton’s ability to stress the defense with his legs. Milton struggled in his first trip to The Swamp in 2021 and it will be key for the Gators to generate pressure with multiple looks to confuse Milton. The running game is bolstered by the two head monster of Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright. Almost interchangeable Small and Wright have an equal amount of touches with Wright averaging over nine yards per carry. At receiver the Volunteers are dealing with the loss of both Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt to the NFL. The most talented of the group Bru McCoy is currently third on the team in receptions but torched the Gators a year ago with 5 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. In the slot the speedy Squirrel White is effective as both a receiver and returner with a sub-11 and sub-22 second speed in the 100- and 200-yard dashes respectfully. The Tennessee offensive line has been retooled losing two starters to the NFL. Transfer’s Andrej Karic (Texas) and John Campbell Jr. (Miami) now man the left side of the offensive line while Cooper Mays should make his 2023 debut returning from a minor procedure during the summer. The Gators have been stout against the run so far this season giving up 75.5 yards per game. If Florida can limit production on early downs forcing Milton to throw through tight windows could be key for the Gator defense. Tennessee Defense: Key Players: #6 LB Aaron Beasley (6-1, 225, Sr.), #9 DE Tyler Baron (6-5, 260, Sr.), #21 DT Omari Thomas (6-4, 320, Sr.), #DE James Pearce Jr. (6-5, 242, So.), #2 S Jaylen McCullough (6-0, 206, Sr.), #1 CB Gabe-Juedy Lally (6-2, 190 R-Sr) A year ago the Tennessee run defense was second in the SEC and fifth in third down defense. On the flip side the Volunteers ranked 12 in the SEC in pass defense. Gabe Jeudy-Lally (BYU) was added through the transfer portal and Jaylen McCullough returns as to steady the back end. The defensive front seven is experienced and stout with Aaron Beasley as the leading tackler of the unit. The defensive line has already registered 11 sacks in two games with Baron and Pearce registering three each. Florida will have to pick its spots in the run game as that is where the unit has found its mark. Florida seemed to find success offensively in the screen game a week ago and could commit to that early to force the Tennessee front to chase the Gators. Omari Thomas is a solid SEC defender but the return of Kingsley Eguakun should help the Gators with the inside zone play. The matchup between Eguakun and Thomas could be an interesting matchup for those who like the action in the trenches. Tennessee like the Gators have the ability to diversify based upon the looks the get from the opposing offense. The cat and mouse game between Coach Napier and Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks will be key as the Gators did gain almost 600 yards of total offense last year despite the loss. The Skinny: This Florida-Tennessee. “FLORIDA-TENNESSEE!!!” This rivalry defined the SEC in the 90’s and college football needs it to get back to that again. Coach Billy Napier has preached the virtues of composure, poise, attention to detail, character, and leadership. All of the things the Gators represented when the rivalry was at its height. It is time that the on the field product matches the narrative. Tennessee is a program that feels they have surpassed the Gators in the race to rebuild after an 11-wins season and an Orange Bowl win a year ago. The cast of characters however is a little different and the place where the match takes place is not Knoxville. The Gators still possess the air of invincibility when the volunteers visit The Swamp and it will be that air plus the humidity that get Coach Napier his first signature SEC win. Joe Milton III unfortunately has never quite lived up to the expectations that made him a highly touted recruit from “The Muck” and a loss Saturday won’t help. The better quarterback wins the day Saturday. Mertz passes for two, Austin Armstrong is the true MVP as the Gators pickoff Milton twice on their way to the upset. Prediction: Florida Gators 27 Tennessee Volunteers 21

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Spurrier was asked on the Buddy Martin Show how he saw the game Saturday. He gave a simple answer. Of all the people who make up the Florida-Tennessee rivalry and have coached or played in it, nobody has impacted the outcome more than Steve Spurrier. Unfortunately, a twist of fate in the 2001 game -- moved from its traditional third Saturday of the season due to the 9-11 tragedy -- may have deprived one of the HBC’s best teams a chance at some huge post-season honors. including a possible SEC title, a national championship and a Heisman Trophy for Rex Grossman. He was 5-1 at home vs Tennessee while coaching at UF but unfortunately it didn’t end well for Florida’s all-time greatest coach In another anomaly for Spurrier, whose home record at Florida was a remarkable 68-5, He lost his last game at The Swamp when the Vols came in and knocked the Gators off in the game that has been rescheduled by 9-11. So, there is no love lost between Spurrier and Tennessee, the team he admired while growing up in nearby Johnson City, about 107 miles from Knoxville. He was not interested in playing for the Vols in the single wing, but was offered a basketball scholarship by Ray Mears, which he turned down. The Vols have always been dominated by the Gators in the Swamp. And when it came down to the Science Hill High School superstar vs the team from 107 miles up the road, Spurrier dominated UT over a 16-game stretch, winning 12 of them. The tables have turned since then and the Vols are a 6.5 favorite Saturday for the 7 pm kick. Just last week the HBC returned to Raleigh-Durham for a celebration honoring his 1989 team’s upset over Clemson. Turns out Steve could also celebrate the 2023 upset over Clemson. Just like when the Dookies did in 1989, the 2023 Duke upset Clemson j hin and the students storming the field. “I tell people all the time, that if our Duke team did not beat Clemson 21-17 and go on to win all the rest of the games, and win an ACC championship,” Spurrier said this week, “I would never have been the head coach at Florida. Because I did not play at Alabama, I never played for Bear Bryant and I did not coach under Nick Saban. So why would they hire a guy at Duke and he never did win anything? Fortunately, we won the ACC and President Bob Bryan hired me and gave me a chance to coach at my alma mater.” On the matters at hand, Spurrier was asked on the Buddy Martin Show how he saw the game Saturday. He gave a simple answer: “I think the team that plays the best and the coaches who coach the best will win the game. Talent-wise they’re about even. And Tennessee has not been all that impressive. And I would say we haven’t. “So I really believe it’s a tossup game and we’ve got an excellent chance to beat these guys. We’ve got to play better than them and we’ve got to coach better.” Why does it sound so simple when Steve Spurrier says it?