Butch Jones anticipates Vols will play Florida Gators in Gainesville

Vols coach Butch Jones watches the game against Indiana State on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.

Tennessee coach Butch Jones said Monday he's expecting the Vols will play Florida on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS) as scheduled in Gainesville.

Hurricane Irma, now considered a tropical storm, made landfall in Florida on Sunday and proceeded north up the Gulf Coast. The effects of the storm were felt throughout the state, including in Gainesville.

More:Vols aim to vanquish demons of 2015 loss to Florida Gators in Gainesville

“We fully anticipate playing the game in Gainesville, but (Tennessee athletic director) John Currie is on top of things, and he’s handling the communication," Jones said.

Jones reiterated during a Monday stop at the Knoxville Quarterback Club that he plans for the game to be played in The Swamp. 

Florida assessing availability of security 

The Gainesville Sun reported Monday morning that the city was dealing with flooding and downed trees and power lines, and thousands of residents were without power.

“Now that the storm has passed through Gainesville, the University of Florida is working with local authorities to assess the effect of the storm on the campus and the Gainesville community, at the same time ensuring the appropriate security and local officials are available to host a game,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement.

Sankey has the authority to designate when and where the game will be played.

Chuck Dunlap, the SEC's director of communications, wrote in a statement that the conference has been in communication with the athletic departments at Florida and Tennessee and will continue to monitor the effects of Irma.

"Assessment of campus impact still ongoing," Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin wrote on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

More:Quinten Dormady, other inexperienced Vols could lead way against Gators

Tennessee has 13 players from Florida on its roster. Jones said during his stop at the Knoxville Quarterback Club that some of those players' families remain in town after attending Saturday's game against Indiana State. Plans were in place for those families to join the team for dinner on Monday.

Florida dealt with hurricane last fall

Last year, Florida had a home game against LSU postponed because of Hurricane Matthew. The game was rescheduled for later in the season but shifted to Baton Rouge, La. In return, the Gators will host LSU this season rather than playing in Baton Rouge, as was originally scheduled.

The postponement and subsequent rescheduling caused squabbling between Florida and LSU officials.

Tennessee tight end Ethan Wolf said he's focused on preparing for the Gators rather than thinking about where the game will get played.

“We hope that everyone down there is staying safe, but in terms of where the game is played, we’re ready to play, so wherever that may be, that’s out of our control," Wolf said.

More:Vols to get injured receivers Tyler Byrd, Latrell Williams, Josh Smith back for Florida game

If the game is played in The Swamp, it'll be a chance for Tennessee to end its streak of six straight losses in Gainesville.

"It's always great to go on the road and beat anybody in their home stadium," Wolf said, "especially The Swamp. ... No matter where the game is played, this is a deep, traditional rival we're facing."