KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee and Florida kicked into gear after the break to turn the matchup in to thriller.
The Vols night against Florida didn’t start on the brightest note, starting linebacker Keenan Pili laving the game early in the first half with a lower body injury, not set to return for the remainder of the matchup.
However Tennessee’s defense prevailed, Florida reached the red zone four times in the first half but only walked away with three points at the break. Their efforts were highlighted by James Pearce forcing and recovering a fumble at the goal line late in the first half.
Despite the defense limiting the Gators, Florida’s defense wasn’t doing any favors to a Tennessee offense that brought their struggles back from Fayetteville.
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The Vols were held scoreless for yet another half, entering the half down 3-0. Tennessee did look they had a chacne to get something moving following the Pearce forced fumble, however an interception from Florida’s Sharif Denson on a Nico Iamaleava pass halted those chances.