Tennessee football put a jarring upset loss to Arkansas behind it and overcame its dismal history against Florida on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. How’s that for a productive weekend?

But where UT’s 23-17 victory leads could be more significant. The ninth-ranked Vols could further enhance their College Football Playoff hopes if all goes well next week against Alabama.

That’s a conversation for another day, though.

There was nothing artistic about the victory that required an overtime after Florida scored with 29 seconds left to the tie game. But Tennessee victories over Florida are to be cherished, not overanalyzed. They don’t happen that often.

In a game featuring several momentum shifts – and key injuries − the Vols managed only their third victory in the last 20 games against Florida.

Now that the conference has reorganized into one 16-team conglomerate, Tennessee’s victory didn’t have as much impact in the standings as it did when the Vols and Gators butted helmets in the SEC East. But it mattered greatly to a team that faltered terribly a week earlier against 13.5-point underdog Arkansas. It also mattered to a Tennessee fan base that has long suffered from Florida fatigue.

The game started out like more of the same. It also unfolded much like the Arkansas game, but with a better Tennessee ending. Star running back Dylan Samson scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Vols overcame a 10-0 deficit to boost their record to 5-1 at the halfway point of the season.

Like Arkansas, Florida repeatedly wasted scoring opportunities in the first half. And like the Arkansas game, UT overcame a sluggish start to take a lead. But Florida forced an overtime on a 27-yard touchdown pass from freshman DJ Lagway to Chimere Dike.

The Gators might have had a better shot of winning in regulation if not for game-ending injuries to running back Montrell Johnson (second quarter) and quarterback Graham Mertz (third quarter). The Vols also suffered attrition when one of their defensive leaders – linebacker Keenan Pili − went down with a leg injury early in the game.

Florida didn't help itself despite outplaying UT in the first half. Its offensive troubles included a fumble at the Tennessee 1-yard line by Mertz − that was forced and recovered by defensive end James Pearce − and a lost field goal.

Florida coach Billy Napier, who seemingly has been on the hot seat ever since he was hired, was the brain behind the disappearing three points. He wasted his last timeout of the first half, which forced the Gators to rush a last-second field goal. Although Trey Smack made the kick, Florida was flagged for an illegal substitution.

So, the Gators watched helplessly as officials implemented a 10-second runoff after the penalty.

Florida had more yards rushing and passing than the Vols in the first half. They also forced a pair of Tennessee turnovers. But all they had to show for it was a 3-0 lead.

The half also featured one of the strangest Josh Heupel calls of his 3 1/2 seasons at Tennessee. The Vols coach went for a fourth-and-1 from his own 11 late in the second quarter. Fortunately for Heupel, running back DeSean Bishop picked up the first down. But the call reeked of desperation.

Given Tennessee’s litany of mistakes, Heupel’s desperation was understandable.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava lost a fumble on a handoff exchange and threw an interception into tight Florida coverage. He also missed a couple of deep throws, one of which was catchable. Much of his problems stemmed from an early Gators pass rush, which – like Arkansas’ – took advantage of Tennessee’s difficulties at offensive tackle.

But UT’s defense often made up for its offensive failures. That defense was at its best in overtime when it knocked the Gators backward until they were forced to try a 47-yard field goal in overtime. The kick faded just right, setting up Tennessee for a victory which brought back a glorious memory for its fans.

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The last time the Vols beat Florida in overtime at Neyland Stadium was in 1998. That 20-17 win was one of their biggest victories on the way to an unbeaten, national championship season.

Tennessee is a long way from that now. But it’s far better off than it was a week earlier in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Not artistic, but Tennessee football cherishes any victory vs Florida