One of the veteran players on Tennessee’s team, defensive back Alontae Taylor, had some strong words following the Vols’ loss to Florida. The words were not strong as in highly aggressive but were strong in their conviction and accountability.
“We won’t fall apart,” Taylor said after the game. “Let me start off with that. We are going to get closer as a team, we are going to watch film, and continue to build that bond. Come next week, we will handle that when it comes. One thing I will say is that we will not fall apart this year and you can quote me on that.”
The Tennessee defense held the second-ranked Florida rush offense to 283 yards, the Gators’ second-lowest rushing output of the year. Meanwhile, Tennessee also gave up 222 yards through the air. However, especially in the second half, Florida won the time of possession game, leaving Tennessee’s defense to play the majority of the game. Tennessee’s offense wasn’t helping the defense out by scoring zero points in the second half, either, and Florida’s whole team drew more and more momentum from the crowd throughout the game.
“Disappointing, you know?” Taylor said about Tennessee’s penalties on Saturday. “You kind of want to win those aspects of the game and you also don’t want to make it close. You want to be there early and make that play. Sometimes, you just can’t control things like that. You got to clear it and go to the next play.”
The Tennessee team will have to put the loss behind them this week as they move on to their next opponent. But, according to Taylor, this is not a Tennessee team that is going to give up, quit, and lay down. Even after taking some knockout punches against the Gators, the Tennessee players are still confident in their teammates, coaches, and the direction of the program.
Tennessee will be back on the road for their next game against Missouri this upcoming Saturday. The game will be at noon ET.
In Saturday’s game against Florida, Taylor had six total tackles on the night, five of which were solo. Click the link below to watch Taylor’s full answer.
