Tennessee football vs. Missouri: Keys to the game
2. Shawn Shamburger’s health
It’s no secret what happened to Tennessee football last week. Nickel Shawn Shamburger, the Vols’ best player according to Pro Football Focus, was out for undisclosed reasons. Shamburger forced the worst quarterback rating in passes to slot receivers he was guarding of any defensive back in the nation, and he also didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage.
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Well, with freshman Doneiko Slaughter replacing him, Shi Smith went off. For the second straight year, Smith had over 100 yards and a touchdown, and he has had over 300 yards in the past two games against UT. That also allowed for the emergence of Nick Muse at tight end, who gave Rocky Top tons of trouble last week and could have been better if not for a key drop.
If Shamburger isn’t healthy, or if he’s out of rhythm when he gets back on the field this weekend, UT could once again be in huge trouble. Jaylen Knox was the leading receiver for the Missouri Tigers last week, catching five passes for 63 yards. He’s the slot guy for Mizzou, and he could definitely torch Slaughter, who has potential but is simply young.
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Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley desperately need Shawn Shamburger healthy and ready to go. If he’s not, Eliah Drinkwitz will know how to exploit that issue, and that could give the Vols’ defense trouble all day Saturday afternoon at Neyland Stadium. After allowing 27 points to the South Carolina Gamecocks, there is plenty of reason for this to be a concern.