Tennessee football: 5 Vols to watch for vs. Charlotte 49ers

You’re going to see a recurring theme in this post. Key Tennessee football players are going to be guys who can wreak havoc against a questionable offensive line and come up with huge plays. Daniel Bituli is the first guy to do that.

The Charlotte 49ers have given up 23 sacks on the year, and 13 of them were in their four losses. They give them up to all of the front seven guys, from defensive ends to defensive tackles to linebackers, outside and inside.

Bituli is probably the most versatile linebacker on this team. He is able to rush the passer at a consistent rate, as his experience in the past has been playing outside linebacker. Meanwhile, he lines up inside now. So the Vols use him everywhere, and that’s why he consistently makes tons of plays. Even last week, he had the tipped pass that resulted in the interception by the defensive line.

On Saturday, the Vols will need him to make quick plays to shut down the offense early so they can build an early lead. Bituli will be key for the big plays but also stopping the offense in a general sense, and that’s why he’s on this list. After only five tackles last weekend, though, UT needs a better effort from him despite his tip.