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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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Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders (23) and Bowling Green linebacker Bryce Brand (6) reach for a ball fumbled by Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Bowling Green Falcons held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Ut Football Bowling Green Bp
Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders (23) and Bowling Green linebacker Bryce Brand (6) reach for a ball fumbled by Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III (7) during a NCAA football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Bowling Green Falcons held at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021.Kns Ut Football Bowling Green Bp /

2. Vols’ fumbling problem vs. TTU’s inability to force turnovers

Welcome to the flip side in certain ways of our previous slide. While TTU is prone to interceptions, it is also unable to force turnovers, just like Tennessee football. Meanwhile, the Vols can’t hold onto the ball at all, even if they aren’t bad at throwing interceptions.

Rocky Top has one interception on the year, that killer thrown by Hendon Hooker late against Pitt with the team trailing 41-34. However, their issue has been fumbles, and it doesn’t matter who has started at quarterback.

The Vols have lost four fumbles on the year, two from Joe Milton III and two from Hooker. That’s tied for worst in the nation with three other teams. Last week, they spotted Pitt a field goal in the first half and then lost the field position in the second half thanks to fumbles. Milton’s fumble was the one that knocked him out of the game.

If TTU can’t force any turnovers, as it has failed to do so far through two weeks, this game is over. It’s best chance is right here, to continue to force the Vols’ quarterbacks to struggle to hold onto the ball. UT has to fix this issue before SEC play starts, and if it happens in this game, or any game for that matter, things could become problematic.

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