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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch vs. BYU Cougars

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 31: Ty Chandler #8 of Tennessee Volunteers runs into the end-zone to score a touchdown against Georgia State Panthers during the first quarter of the season opener at Neyland Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 31: Ty Chandler #8 of Tennessee Volunteers runs into the end-zone to score a touchdown against Georgia State Panthers during the first quarter of the season opener at Neyland Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
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Without Daniel Bituli playing last week, Tennessee football suffered greatly. Despite Henry To’oTo’o’s potential, Bituli is the guy who calls all the plays and keeps the entire defense together. His absence was blatant with multiple substitution issues and guys lining up the wrong way far too often. And it also was a reason UT didn’t know what to do when containing Dan Ellington.

Again, this week, the Vols face another mobile quarterback against the BYU Cougars, and Zach Wilson is probably significantly better than Ellington. So this could turn disastrous fast. Jeremy Pruitt said Bituli is doing everything he can to play Saturday, and given how little he reveals, that basically means Bituli will go.

The Vols desperately need him to go. He and Nigel Warrior together could help contain a mobile quarterback, even if the defensive line issues remain, because they would be able to make up for it. They are smart, very athletic and the two guys to keep the entire unit in line. Both need to be on the field.

It’s also worth noting that last week’s loss against the Utah Utes hinted that BYU’s play allows for inside linebackers to star. Utah’s one middle linebacker, Francis Bernard, had a pick-six and one and a half tackles for a loss last week. So while that was in a 4-3 and not a 3-4, Bernard is still a guy Bituli could look to.

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