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Tennessee football vs. Aggies: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) takes the field ahead of a game between Tennessee and BYU at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907
Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) takes the field ahead of a game between Tennessee and BYU at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 7, 2019.Utbyu0907 /
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Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt leads his team onto the field for the game against Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw42724
Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt leads his team onto the field for the game against Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.Gw42724 /

6. Vols’ low morale vs. Texas A&M’s playoff distractions

Normally, we have focus and motivational factors near the bottom of our list of keys to the game. However, the situation facing both teams makes this one somewhat interesting and may be a way to give Tennessee football a bit of hope.

The Vols obviously have their own motivational issues. Morale is as low as possible with a losing season guaranteed, Jeremy Pruitt under serious fire and this year being a major disappointment given the preseason expectations. A 42-17 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores wasn’t going to change any of that.

On the other hand, the Texas A&M Aggies are thinking about the College Football Playoff. With no SEC Championship to play for, their fate is in the hands of the committee and what happens elsewhere on Saturday.

Don’t forget that the playoff committee ranked A&M at No. 5 on Tuesday. A loss by the Ohio State Buckeyes could move them to No. 4. OSU faces the No. 14 ranked Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship. That game, by the way, is at noon, the same time UT and A&M play. How can Jimbo Fisher’s team remain focused when that’s going on? Focus will be key in this one.

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