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Tennessee football: Vols, SEC, Top 25 predictions for Week 1 of 2018

By Caleb Calhoun

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the stadium before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the stadium before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images /

UT Martin Skyhawks at Missouri Tigers

Saturday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.; Faurot Field; Columbia, Mo.

TV: SEC Network

Caleb Calhoun

Former Tennessee football head coach Derek Dooley is now back in the SEC, leading the Missouri Tigers as their offensive coordinator. There are numerous connections here, as Mizzou’s win over UT last year is what got Butch Jones fired, and Jones replaced Dooley. Oh, Dooley’s his first game as head coach of the Vols was against UT-Martin, just like his first game as offensive coordinator of the Tigers is. Anyway, the Tigers are moving more to a pro-style under Barry Odom with the hire of Dooley, and he has his first test this weekend.

Under Josh Heupel, Missouri made a habit of putting up basketball numbers against FCS and low-level FBS schools. But it all looked fake by the time they faced real SEC schools. This year, you have to wonder if Dooley’s pro-style will do the same thing. There will be some bumps in the road, but I have the Tigers winning and really getting a rhythm in the second quarter.

Missouri: 59 UT-Martin: 10

Billy Williford

Another game that I will not turn on unless the Skyhawks from UT Martin pull an Appalachian State against Michigan. They do not have a chance against Drew Lock and the high powered offense of Missouri, hence why I think the Tigers will drop 70 points.

Derek who? That’s right Vol fans, former Tennessee football head coach Derek Dooley will be roaming the sidelines of Missouri as their offensive coordinator. I know I have dished out my fair share of hate on Dooley, but his offenses were good at Tennessee. With a talented quarterback such as Drew Lock, Dooley and the offense should put up some big numbers this season.

Missouri: 70 UT Martin: 7

Garrett Sanders

Missouri’s Offense is almost unstoppable when it comes to facing FCS Schools. Last season against Missouri State, the Tigers put up over 800 yards of Offense while pilling up 72 points. While Missouri’s Offense has one the most dangerous Offenses in the country, they won’t produce those numbers against the Skyhawks.

On the flip side of things, Missouri’s Defense allowed a ton of points as well against Missouri State. Forty-three to be exact. UT-Martin’s offense doesn’t have one of the best Offenses in the world. They were at rock bottom statistically in the FCS. It’s safe to say that Missouri will not duplicate the results of last year. Drew Lock should play for one half and should be done, allowing other younger players to get some reps in. This is an easy win for the Tigers.

Missouri: 56 UT-Martin: 14

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