KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Two defensive series into the second half of Tennessee's thrilling 38-28 comeback win over Florida, first-year defensive coordinator Bob Shoop saw something that he thinks totally unified his group.
With Florida facing a third-and-10 from its own 35-yard line, the Gators went with another screen that had frustrated this defense in the first half. As quarterback Austin Appleby released his pass to his left, junior defensive lineman Dimarya Mixon ripped through Florida's protection and crashed into running back Jordan Cronkrite for a 4-yard loss. In a matter of seconds, the Volunteers erupted with energy.