Tennessee vs. Bowling Green Last Minute Predictions

With game time for Tennessee vs. Bowling Green in Nashville right around the corner, here are our last-minute predictions for the Vols and Falcons.

We are finally here. The Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons are set to face off at 4 p.m. in Nashville, leaving a lot for both teams to be excited about.

More from Vols Football

Having already named our keys to the game for both teams and the key players to watch for on both teams, it is time to see what comes to fruition in the game.

Here are our last-minute predictions for Tennessee vs. Bowling Green before the game kicks off.

The First Quarter Has Lots of Scoring

We have already documented how good Bowling Green’s offense is and just how bad their defense is. Meanwhile, both teams have a ton of skill players capable of breaking off big gains. That means that both teams will score quickly as they try to figure out each other’s offense.

The Falcons will definitely be able to catch the Vols off-guard with a few plays, particularly with Matt Johsnon at quarterback, and Tennessee could probably score every drive in this game. All of this means that Bowling Green will be in the game for the first quarter, and expect a 14-14 game in the first. Don’t surprised if there are even more points either.

The Vols Will Have at Least Two Interceptions

Matt Johnson is a great quarterback, but he is a gunslinger with only one major target at receiver. Although he only threw seven interceptions in 2013, it could have been 27 interceptions if he played in a conference with decent defenses.

With Cameron Sutton covering his one major target, even though he will be encouraged to use the slot players and run the ball more, Johnson will undoubtedly want to throw a few passes that way. That means probably one interception from Sutton thanks to a forced pass by Johnson, and either Emmanuel Moseley or one of the nickel players who sees action will come down with a pick.

Tennessee’s Offensive Line Will Have Lots of Penalties

This is a bit of bad news, but what could you expect? Butch Jones has already made it pretty clear that he does not have a set offensive line depth chart and plans to rotate eight guys in different positions today.

All that means is, with lots of freshmen and inexperienced players, there will be lots of penalties. The line is not going to be as settled in as they would like, and they will not be fully comfortable. So in the first half of the game particularly and probably the second half we will likely see some false starts, holdings, and illegal formations. Just be prepared.

The Running Backs Will Shine

This is on both sides. Dino Babers will want to use the running game of the Bowling Green falcons as much as possible due to Tennessee’s elite secondary, Matt Johnson coming back from injury, and the loaded Bowling Green offensive line. That means lots of carries for Travis Greene, and Fred Coppet, and together they could total more than 200 yards in this game.

On the other side of the ball, Butch Jones will want to use Jalen Hurd as much as he always does, but given that Bowling Green might want to dial up a few blitz packages, he and Mike DeBord will want to respond with a few screen passes. That is where Alvin Kamara comes in. Expect him to break off some huge plays in this game, and he and Hurd will be the stars.

Jalen Reeves-Maybin Will be the Star on Defense

We are calling for interceptions, probably some nice plays on the defensive line, but the defense as a unit to struggle. All of that would not add to a linebacker for the Vols making headlines, but Jalen Reeves-Maybin will be a difference-maker.

Using their running backs and slot guys, the linebackers will have lots of action in this game, and Reeves-Maybin is a big-play linebacker who understands where to be and how to play in the right spots. He will have a chance to pick up lots of tackles in this game, and do not be surprised if he gets a couple of big plays, either multiple tackles for a loss, a sack, an interception, or a forced fumble.

Overall, Tennessee should take care of business with the Bowling Green Falcons in this game. It will be tough in the first half, but they should pull away in the third quarter and be able to put in their backups to give them some action.

Next: Top 10 Opening Games in Tennessee Football History

With game time for Tennessee vs. Bowling Green in Nashville right around the corner, here are our last-minute predictions for the Vols and Falcons.

More from All for Tennessee