Vols Football: Game-by-Game Season Prediction

Sep 27, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies quarterback Chuckie Keeton (16) points to his teammates as he elects to run against the San Jose State Spartans during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

August 31st, Utah State Aggies

Usually, teams like Tennessee will open their season against “cupcakes” who will be easy wins for their team, much like last season’s game against Austin Peay for the Vols.

Utah State is no such pushover.

The Aggies finished 2013 with a 9-5 record, winning 6 of its last 7 games, including a 21-14 victory over No. 24 Northern Illinois in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. While the Aggies only return three starters on offense, one of those is highly-rated QB Chuckie Keeton.

In 2012, Keeton earned 1st-team All-WAC honors as a sophomore, but a torn ACL ended his season after only 6 games in 2013. Before that, Keeton threw for 1,388 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. He also added 55 carries for 241 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.

As if dealing with Keeton isn’t enough, the Vols will face one of the stingier defenses in the NCAA when they take on Utah State. Last season, the Aggies ranked in the top 12 in the NCAA in points given up per game, rushing yards given up, and total defense. They also picked off 17 passes, forced 34 sacks, and posted a +11 turnover margin, all ranking in the top 25 in the country in each respective category.

There are legitimate concerns for the Aggies, however. They must replace almost all their offensive line, their secondary must replace 3 of 4 starters, there is unproven depth in the linebacking corps, and Keeton and the offense have lost some key weapons from 2013.

This game will be a good early test for a young Tennessee team. Utah State is good enough to beat a team like UT, and they will put up a fight, especially if Keeton is back to form. Don’t expect this game to be a quiet one either, as a sold out crowd is expected for the opening game on a Sunday night.

Tennessee 27, Utah State 17