Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) and quarterback Josh Dobbs (11) prior to the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
1A. Tennessee: Hold Onto the Football
It’s a cliche for every game and part of General Neyland’s first Game Maxim, but in this case, holding onto the football all but assures a victory.
Bowling Green has a very weak defense, and the Vols should have no trouble moving the ball on them. So they simply need to not turn the ball over when moving downfield in order to not give the defense any gifts. If they do that, winning this game should be as easy as we hope, and they should be able to put their backups in by halftime.
But if Joshua Dobbs throws a couple of interceptions, or if there are a couple of missed blocks by an offensive lineman to lead to a disastrous play, or if there are just regular fumbles and missed field goals, then this game could become a problem.
As we will get to later, Bowling Green’s offense will be able to keep up with the Vols for a half with so much experience. So the only way Butch Jones’s team can control this game is by demoralizing the defense and not giving them any freebies.
That is the biggest reason Tennessee is favored by three touchdowns and not less than that. The Falcons are very inexperienced and soft on defense, so the only way they stop Tennessee is if Tennessee stops itself. The only way Tennessee stops itself is if they turn the ball over or make too many mistakes. So hold onto the ball!
Next: Bowling Green Key #1: Attack the Pocket