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Tennessee football: 4 bold predictions for the Vols vs. UTEP

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: A view of the inside of Neyland Stadium during 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 inside of Neyland Stadium during 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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KNOXVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 08: Darrin Kirkland Jr. #34 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during 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) /

No.4 – The Vols will force two turnovers on defense

One of the things Jeremy Pruitt is known for is his defenses play a tough style of football. Typically his defenses play sound without making many mistakes. That usually puts them in a position to always create turnovers.

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So far that success has translated well to the Volunteer defense. Tennessee ranks ninth in the nation in turnover margin. Pruitt’s defense has forced two fumbles and two interceptions in the first two games of the season.

Last season, when Pruitt was Alabama’s defensive coordinator his defense forced 19 interceptions and eight fumbles. I’m not suggesting the Vols have the same amount of talent that’s in Tuscaloosa, but there is four and five-star talent in Knoxville.

Last week against East Tennessee State, linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. had an interception returned for a 33-yard touchdown. Freshman defensive back, Bryce Thompson almost had a pick-six as well. He had a 21-yard return that was close to a touchdown, but he stepped out at the three-yard line.

For our first bold prediction of the game, we think the Vols force two turnovers in back to back games. We will even give you a bonus prediction that freshman defensive back Alonte Taylor will get his first interception of the season.

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