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Tennessee football vs. UTEP: 10 keys for Vols against Miners

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

4. How many turnovers will UTEP have in the game?

It’s the old cliche through at least two games this year. The UTEP Miners are 0-2 and arguably again the worst team in the FBS. They also have a minus-five turnover ratio, having committed three in each game.

Tennessee football, meanwhile, is 1-1 but has yet to turn the ball over on the season. Meanwhile, they forced one against the West Virginia Mountaineers and just capitalized on a turnover prone ETSU team, forcing three. So the Vols are plus-four while UTEP is minus-five through two games.

That begs this question: How bad can things get on Saturday? The Vols would like to force lots of turnovers early, make a few big plays, and have the game in hand by halftime so they can put in their starters.

However, if UTEP doesn’t turn the ball over, they could definitely threaten, maybe if just for a little bit. Again, given the likely lack of focus, Jeremy Pruitt doesn’t want his starters to have to be playing in this one too long. There’s not a game where he’d more like to rely on his backups than this one.

This is a key that obviously appears to work in the Vols’ favor, and if it manifests itself, it just means the blowout will come quicker. So it’s not one to strike worry in the minds of fans on Rocky Top. It just presents an opportunity to further make sure they avoid any drama this weekend.

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