After a hard-fought victory over Wake Forest, Tennessee traveled to Gainesville to face the #7 Florida Gators, who had not lost since the first week of the 1984 season. Robinson completed 26 of 36 passes for 300 yards, but managed just one touchdown pass—a 20-yarder to McGee in the fourth quarter—as the Florida defense successfully executed a "bend-but-don't-break" strategy. Late in the fourth quarter, with Tennessee trailing 17–10, Robinson led the Vols to midfield, but the drive ended when his pass was tipped by Florida defensive tackle Rhondy Weston and intercepted by linebacker Alonzo Johnson to seal the victory for the Gators.