It's such an incredible opportunity, not just because we have a reasonable shot at beating the Gators.. but it's an opportunity to leave the cloud of negativity behind and turn the corner. It feels great to be in position where a game with an upper tier SEC rival is considered a "coin toss" game.. but to truly take a step up it's time to win these kinds of games. I know Revolver has said it and I agree, but for me this is it for Dooley. If he still can't find a way to win these kinds of games then he's just not the answer and he's just been a stepping stone used to shore up our depleted roster. That, or the can show everyone he just might be the guy.
I'm not going to dispute the importance of this game for Vol fans or for Dooley's career, but I will quibble with your classification of UF as "upper tier SEC." We haven't been upper-tier for a few years - we've definitely come back to the pack. To UT's credit, you were in lower-tier status for a couple years and it appears you have now at least come back UP to the middle of the pack. Having said all that - I recognize that breaking the streak vs. UF would mean a lot more to the UT psyche than beating USC, for example. Plus, if you beat UF, you're set up to make a run at the SECE title, and obviously a big step forward for your program. I'm hoping we can somehow derail all those plans. Should be a great game!