By JIM STEELE
pressbox1.com

There are a lot of rivalries in SEC lore. Georgia-Auburn is the longest-running rivalry in the South.

There's the usual season-ending ordeals (Ole Miss-Mississippi State, Florida-FSU, Tennessee-Vandy or Kentucky, Georgia-Georgia Tech), the mid-season battles like the Third Saturday in October and the emerging rivalries.

One of those emerging rivalries has people talking about the Third Saturday in September. Going back to 1990 and Tennesee's 45-3 shellacking of the Gators, the rivalry between Tennessee has emerged as one of the best in college football.

And the two tee it up once again 2:30 CDT Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida Field in Gainesville. The Gators are currently rated No. 3 in USA Today and No. 5 in AP. Meanwhile the Vols are No. 22 in AP and 24th in USA Today's college football rankings. The Vols are 1-1 on the year, having just defeated Southern Miss 39-19. They suffered a 45-31 setback at California to open the season in which the defense missed 22 tackles. Meanwhile the Gators opened the season with a 49-3 win over Western Kentucky then followed up with a sloppy game against Troy, 59-31.

The game will be televised by CBS.

It's an early game with big stakes, one with which newcomer Florida coach Urban Meyer, has had to familiarize.

"I looked it up and it goes back to the 1990s," Meyer said. "I did a little history research. To have a rivalry, you need two good teams and in the 90s, the two teams were very active in the SEC East."

Florida won the East in 1992-96, 99-00 and 2006. Tennessee won it in 97-98, 2001, 2003. In 12 of the 15 SEC title games, Tennessee or Florida has represented the East. Tennessee has won two crowns, Florida six since implementation of the title game.

"This game sets the trend and gives one team an advantage going into the rest of the season," Meyer said.

"Most all our games with Florida have been real close and we've won two of the last three down there," said Fulmer. "And since I took over here, Florida always has had a great team."

Even the "Old Ball Coach" said the rivalry is special. Current South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier remembered his time with this rivalry.

"It became such a big game for Florida because when I got here, Georgia wasn't very good in the early years," Spurrier said. "And when divisional play came in, it became the biggest game of the year and our goal was to win the conference championship so that was a big game."

Meyer casts a wary eye toward the Vols. Tennessee could easily be 2-0 now.

"Tennessee has as good a talent as anybody," the coach said. "We've got a couple of injuries, but we're excited to play."

Fulmer said that Florida may resemble California a bit, but maybe with a bit more talent.

"Florida is similar to Cal, probably better I would think," said Fulmer. "They have a dynamic quarterback, their receivers are great and they've done a great job with teh defensive front. Florida has no weaknesses and is just really a good team."

Florida quarterback, lefty Tim Tebow, has completed 31-42 passes for 531 yards and has rushed 25 times for 131 yards and three TDs. He's become a passing threat as well.

"He gives them the dynamic off being a quarterback who can give you a run threat, who can pull it down, or throw it," said Fulmer of Tebow. "It's not a dimension you see everyday."

Fulmer had more to say about Tebow.

"They like to be balanced and Tebow throws extremely well," he said. "He makes their offense better."

Meyer said Tebow has the type of personality and ability that will make everyone on the team better.

"The offensive line likes him, the receivers like him and he has the ability to be a good offensive player," the coach said. "He can raise the level of everyone around him."

Senior Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge has had a good season thus far. He's 55-83 passing for 547 yards and five TDs.

"He's played fantastic in both games," Fulmer said. "He's made throws, shown toughness with his finger and shoulder. Nothing is perfect, but he has the attitude that he's going to get better."

Florida will be without receiver Andre Caldwell because of injury, who has 111 yards in catches this year, but Fulmer says the Gators will just reload.

"It won't change how we prepare for them," said Fulmer. "All their receivers are great."

As has been mentioned, it's the first SEC game for both teams. Fulmer said it's the conference's call on whether to move the game or keep it in September, and Fulmer has wished the game was later in the year. But even Spurrier has said in the past that the Gators have Georgia and Florida State late in the year, so moving it would backload Florida's schedule.

"I wish it were later, but that's not our call," said Fulmer. "This game is on the forefront because we've had good history."

The Vols lost 21-20 to the eventual national champions last year and had a flat game in Gainesville two years ago. But a 50-yard field goal by James Wilhoite gave the Vols a 30-28 last-minute win in 2004.

"I'm just glad the game's at home," said Meyer.