Tennessee Hopes Luck Changes Against Florida

The University of Florida, coming off its first national championship, takes its first step toward trying to give Steve Spurrier a record-tying fifth straight SEC title today when it plays host to Tennessee.

It may not be the most storied rivalry in the SEC, but it is undoubtedly the biggest these days.

By beating Tennessee the past four years, the Gators (2-0) have positioned themselves for a berth in the SEC championship game. By losing the past four years, Tennessee (2-0) has had to settle for second.

“It makes it very, very difficult if you lose,” Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. “We’ve proved that the last couple of years, ending up in the top 10 but not being able to go to the championship game.”

Fulmer is 45-9 at Tennessee, but can barely get through a summer without hearing this question: “When will you beat Florida?”

This may be the Vols’ best opportunity to change their luck.

Peyton Manning, the Heisman Trophy favorite, already has thrown for more than 300 yards in victories over Texas Tech and UCLA.

Florida, which has led the nation in touchdown passes each of the past four years, returns only three starters.