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Tennessee football vs. Pitt: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Fans outside Neyland Stadium before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Fans outside Neyland Stadium before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers kicker Sam Scarton (91) reacts after losing to the Boston College Eagles in overtime at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2020; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers kicker Sam Scarton (91) reacts after losing to the Boston College Eagles in overtime at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Pitt’s kicking drama

From what we’ve seen so far, Tennessee football should have a huge advantage in the kicking game. The Vols have an All-SEC punter and kickoff specialist in Paxton Brooks. Meanwhile, USC Trojans transfer Chase McGrath showed his leg last week when he hit a 43-yard field goal, and he didn’t miss an extra point on five attempts either.

It’s a different story with Pitt. Last week, Sam Scarton got the start, but there was a battle between him and Ben Sauls throughout the preseason. Scarton won the job and did hit a 35-yard field goal, but he also missed an extra point in the first quarter.

Amidst those issues, Sauls came in and kicked two extra points for the Panthers. So what does this mean going forward? Well, we honestly have no idea. Pat Narduzzi likely has no idea either, and that could turn into a huge issue in this game.

UT fans know first-hand how much of a difference field goal kicking can make in a game, and based on what’s been shown so far, the Vols should have a major advantage here. If this is a close game and Pitt’s issues begin to manifest themselves once again, then Rocky Top could be in great position to pull out the victory.

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