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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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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 31: Isaiah Spiller #28 of the Texas A&M Aggies congratulates Ainias Smith #0 after a touchdown in the first half at Kyle Field on October 31, 2020 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – OCTOBER 31: Isaiah Spiller #28 of the Texas A&M Aggies congratulates Ainias Smith #0 after a touchdown in the first half at Kyle Field on October 31, 2020 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3. Who establishes the run first?

If there’s one area in which Tennessee football could potentially rival the Texas A&M Aggies, it’s stopping the run. Jimbo Fisher’s defense is third in the SEC in fewest yards allowed per carry at three and a half. However, the Vols aren’t far behind, as they allow just over three and a half yards per carry and are fourth in the SEC.

Now, on the other side, it’s a different story. A&M can get going in the run game immediately with Isaiah Spiller, and they are first in the SEC at five and a half yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Vols are 10th in the SEC at just under four yards per carry.

This isn’t on the UT run game itself, though. The Vols have elite blockers like Trey Smith, and they have two weapons in Eric Gray and Ty Chandler. Jabari Small is coming on as well. The issue is their inability to generate balance with a solid passing attack, allowing teams to sell out to stop the run.

Still, the Vols have shown that they can get the run game going early, and if they do that, this could get somewhat interesting. As a result, a major factor will be which team can get their rushing attack off the ground first. If A&M does, this will be over early.

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