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Tennessee football vs. TTU: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: The Tennessee Volunteers celebrate a touchdown during the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 09: The Tennessee Volunteers celebrate a touchdown during the game against the Indiana State Sycamores at Neyland Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 26: A penalty flag is seen uring a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts on August 26, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 26: A penalty flag is seen uring a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts on August 26, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

5. Can TTU exploit the Vols’ penalty issues?

Similar to how Tennessee football being average in one area gives them a major advantage given TTU’s weaknesses, the Golden Eagles being above average in one area gives them a major advantage given the Vols’ weaknesses. In this case, TTU’s advantage comes down to penalties.

It’s no secret that penalties were a killer for the Vols last week against Pitt. They committed 13 for 134 yards. Pitt wasn’t great, committing nine for 76 yards, but when you have 134 yards in penalties, 76 yards is nothing. For the season, Rocky Top is No. 124 in fewest penalty yards per game, as they have had 18 penalties and average 89.5 penalty yards per game.

On the other hand, TTU hasn’t been too bad at avoiding penalties. The Golden Eagles are ranked No. 28 in fewest penalty yards per game. They have committed just nine on the year and average 38 penalty yards per game, which isn’t bad at all.

While still learning Josh Heupel’s offense, the Vols are going to have some penalties. However, it can prove costly even against bad teams. A few bad or unnecessary penalties early could give TTU some momentum, and with the way the morale is on both teams, that could become a huge deal.

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