Tennessee football: 5 reasons Vols could lose to ETSU Bucs

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the outside of Neyland Stadium before a game between the Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images) /
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1. Vols have to face a balanced ETSU offense while still transitioning to 3-4.

If Logan Marchi is truly the best quarterback on the field, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers will have a major offensive advantage over the Tennessee football defense. Remember, the Vols are still adjusting to the 3-4.

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That’s why they gave up five touchdowns and over 400 yards passing to Will Grier and the West Virginia Mountaineers last week. Add in Randy Sanders’s balance and his understanding of Jeremy Pruitt’s schemes, and this week could be very problematic.

In addition to Marchi, the ETSU running game looks very dangerous. They had 238 yards on the ground in their opener, and the Vols haven’t truly been tested in stopping the run just yet. Given the way the front seven struggled to get a push, there is reason for concern here.

There is a great chance that the Vols struggle to get a push up front. The secondary could also continue to struggle in a significant way on the back end. Add in Marchi’s abilities and Sanders’s balanced attack, and you’ve got a great chance of seeing a major upset here.

As we’ve said all offseason, the 3-4 defense is the toughest transition for a college team to undergo. Rocky Top had another rude awakening to that last Saturday against WVU. What if it happens to them again?

dark. Next. 5 Bucs to watch for against Vols

In all likelihood, Tennessee football will blowout ETSU. Our whole staff predicted that for this week. However, don’t think for a second that the Vols can’t get caught napping. All the changes they are undergoing could cost them once again. And if they fall to 0-2, things will get really ugly for everybody in Knoxville.