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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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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Footballs lay on the field before the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Footballs lay on the field before the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. TTU’s interception problem vs. Vols’ inability to force turnovers

Something’s got to give here. TTU is tied for No. 97 in all of FCS play in limiting interceptions, as they have thrown four on the year. They haven’t lost any fumbles, but their turnovers through the air are what have made their games blowouts.

On the other side, though, Tennessee football has yet to force a turnover this year. The Vols are one of nine teams in FBS play this year to still have not gained a turnover. Yes, they did block a punt, and you could count that as a turnover, but it doesn’t count as one, and TTU’s issues have been throwing interceptions anyway.

So which one gives in this game? To be fair, the Vols have solid players in the secondary. Theo Jackson has been all over the field in ways beyond getting interceptions, and Alontae Taylor, Trevon Flowers and Warren Burrell have all shown their abilities in coverage. Jaylen McCollough is also a threat there.

Anyway, if the Golden Eagles are to have a shot in this game, they can’t keep throwing picks. UT doesn’t need to have any to put them away early, but it would help, and between these two teams, there will be a first somewhere.

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