Controlling the line of scrimmage and successfully running the football are key parts to any football game, but in the Tennessee-Florida rivalry, they hold even more significance.

The Vols are currently in the midst of a nine-game losing streak against the Gators, and in each one of those games, Florida has outgained Tennessee on the ground.

“That’s a stat that we talk about,” said running backs coach Robert Gillespie. “Hopefully we come out ready for the challenge up front as an offensive line, and as a running back unit. We’re just going to play SEC football this week, smash mouth, we’re gonna hit you in the mouth.”

A large part of Tennessee’s success running the ball will placed on the shoulders of highly-touted freshman Jalen Hurd, who churned out 119 yards on the ground, including a 1-yard touchdown run last week at Georgia.

Hurd’s carries have increased in each game he’s played this year, and the Vols’ coaching staff is hoping to see his production continue to increase as he gains more experience against SEC competition.

“He’s done a good job so far,” Gillespie said. “Tons of room for improvement. He’s really taking everything they’re giving to him, and hopefully now he can start creating some extra yards for himself, create some one-on-one situations and break some long runs. Everyday he’s just getting better.”

Derrell Scott was looking to be a big piece in Tennessee’s running attack this season, but a foot injury sustained in fall practice has held the Havelock, North Carolina native out of action so far.

After making the trip to Georgia but not playing, coaches are hoping that the true freshman’s first carries could come this week.

“He’s close,” Gillespie said. “I’m confident in him, but I told him earlier in the week it’s his job to continue to help my confidence. To make the right blocks, to make the right reads, to communicate from the sideline. If he can do those things then he gains confidence and I gain confidence, and we’ll put him in the game.”

Williams’ homecoming: Florida week is a big week for all of Tennessee’s players, but for some it hits a little closer to home.

Senior defensive tackle Jordan Williams is a Gainesville native, and for him, this is the last chance to take down his hometown Gators.

“I remember growing up and all I heard on the radio all week was about the Tennessee and Florida game,” Williams said. “So it’s definitely a big deal. It’s my last time to go through it.”

Even though this game is a little more personal to Williams, Florida is a rivalry for all of the Vols, and winning rivalry games is an important task for this Tennessee team.

“The Florida game is a big game every year,” Williams said. “Even the sign in our room says beat our rival. It is a rivalry game. It’s a big game. Being from Gainesville, I feel like I really have to prove myself.”

Florida week brings out a different edge for Williams and junior Trevarris Saulsberry, another Gainesville native, according to defensive line coach Steve Stripling, and that edge makes them work a little harder during practice.

“Yeah, I think they’re excited about it,” defensive line coach Steve Stripling said. “They’ve got a lot of family members coming, obviously. I think this is an important game for our program, and really all of our guys, but I think those two guys are taking it special.”

McNeil stepping up: After fighting for a starting spot throughout fall camp, junior safety LaDarrell McNeil has established himself as one of the most improved players on the team, and one of the most important players on the field.

After struggling a bit in his first two years, McNeil has come out strong this season, collecting 25 total tackles, putting him in a tie for third on the team.

“LaDarrell McNeill is playing his best football,” said defensive backs coach Willie Martinez. “I think he would be the first one to tell you. It showed in the last two ball games. He’s really been solid, he’s been consistent and he’s made plays.”

According to Martinez, it’s been the little things that have helped his improvement, and McNeil looks to be a key player both on defense and on special teams for the remainder of the season.

“The way’s he’s practiced and the way he’s totally bought in (have helped),” Martinez said. “He’s gotten stronger and become more flexible. You can see he’s quicker, so the off-season program that we have has done a really good job.

“I think he understands our defense better too, which has allowed him to really focus and relax and let his abilities really take over.”