Expert predictions, picks for Florida football's Week 13 game vs Tennessee Volunteers

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The final game of the 2025 Southeastern Conference college football schedule is nearly here, as the Florida Gators prepare to host the Tennessee Volunteers inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Week 13.

The home team stumbles into the weekend riding a three-game losing streak that has deep-sixed the program’s season. Florida’s scoring offense is the second-worst in the league, while its scoring defense is just 13th; the total defense ranks the same, while the total offense is just a tad better at No. 13 as well.

The Vols, on the other hand, are ranked 20th in the US LBM Coaches Poll this week with a reciprocal 7-3 tally. Tennessee boasts the best scoring offense in the SEC, but also has the second-worst scoring defense — so it should be an interesting matchup.

These rivalry games historically have tended to get a little crazy, and playing in front of a raucous crowd in the Swamp, who knows what might happen? The Gators Wire staff does not have a crystal ball into the future, but we do have our expert predictions for the Week 13 battle, which you can find below.

‘I see Florida taking a step forward and seizing the victory’

“The Gators have battled hard since Napier left the sidelines, but their efforts have still resulted in goose eggs under Gonzales. Injuries have decimated the team’s depth and it has shown in Florida’s late-game letdowns.

“Those strong three quarters of play we have been seeing give me some hope for this weekend’s matchup in Gainesville. With a raucous Swamp crowd backing the team, there is a relatively good chance the Gators can catch the Vols with their pants down on Saturday.

“While the team will not be going to a bowl game this winter, it would be great to close the season out with some wins — particularly in rivalry games. I see Florida taking a step forward and seizing the victory.” — Adam Dubbin

PREDICTION: Florida 27, Tennessee 23

‘This team hasn’t played well enough to predict a win’

“The first half against Ole Miss gives me some confidence that Florida can make it close against Tennessee. After all, the Volunteers have the worst pass defense in the SEC.

“If DJ Lagway doesn’t force things, he should have one of his better games of the year.

“With that said, Tennessee also has a strong offense. If Caleb Banks come back, it will help Florida’s run defense, and the secondary has most of its key players — Jordan Castell, Sharif Denson, Devin Moore and Bryce Thornton.

“If the Gators can force two or more turnovers, they have a shot to win this one.

“The other key is to actually make second-half adjustments. Florida didn’t do it last week, and Keegan Lacy led Ole Miss to a comeback win. A lot of that falls on Billy Gonzales and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, though.

“An upset would be nice, but this team hasn’t played well enough to predict a win.” — David Rosenberg

PREDICTION: Tennessee 30, Florida 24

‘The Swamp pushes this young team across the finish line’

“Florida may be sitting at 3–7 after a tough loss to Ole Miss, but rivalry games in the Swamp have a way of ignoring logic. Tennessee rolls in at 7–3 with the better record and more momentum on paper, yet their defense has sprung enough leaks this season, which suggests this one could turn into a shootout. 

“And when it does, all the noise, all the emotion, all the chaos of a night game in Gainesville tends to tilt things in Florida’s favor. You can toss records out the window when it comes to big-time rivalry matchups. I think DJ Lagway will play interception-free football, though at this point, it’s hard to believe.

“But I’m optimistic that the offense will find just enough rhythm, the defense gets a couple of timely stops and the Swamp pushes this young team across the finish line.” — Aidan Gallardo

PREDICTION: Florida 33, Tennessee 30

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football predictions, picks for Week 12 game v Tennessee Vols

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