All for Tennessee
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
Sep 4, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Lucas Krull (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Massachusetts Minutemen during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Lucas Krull (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Massachusetts Minutemen during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Big passing plays from Pitt

The biggest advantage for Pitt this year is easily the weapons they have in the passing game. Kenny Pickett is an NFL prospect at quarterback and could have gone last year, and six of his top seven weapons from 2020 are back, including leading receiver Jordan Addison. Simply put, he’s a talented guy who’s got a lot of talent to work with.

There’s no doubt that Pitt will fling the ball, but as we mentioned earlier, Pat Narduzzi likes to rely on ball control, even if he can’t run the ball. He then spreads the field and goes for big plays, trying to keep the secondary on its heels while also catching it off-guard.

This game could come down to how many of those big plays Pickett and his receivers cash in on. Pitt methodically moved the ball last week, but there are always a couple of deep shots it takes, and if it hits on those, this game could get out of hand.

Obviously, Tennessee football’s secondary needs to be prepared for this. The Vols struggled last year in that area of the field, but it’s a perceived strength this year. They will be tested heavily on Saturday. After a great game from Theo Jackson last week, the rest of the guys need to step up now. Otherwise, they could be in trouble.

Home/Vols Football