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Tennessee football at Missouri: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 28, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general fish eye view of the field before the game between the Missouri Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; A general fish eye view of the field before the game between the Missouri Tigers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 *** /

6. Can the Vols offset Missouri’s penalty advantage?

Against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, Tennessee football appeared to be in the process of solving its penalty issues. However, they came back against the Florida Gators. That was the second time in four games they committed double-digit penalties, coming away with 10 and surrendering 85 yards on them.

For the year, now, UT is No. 119 in fewest penalty yards per game. They have committed 31 and are allowing 74.75 yards on average when they take the field. Against Florida, they even allowed 30 yards by committing two penalties on one punt.

It’s the opposite for Mizzou. This team is No. 26 in fewest penalty yards per game, committing 19 on the year and allowing just 42.25 yards on average every time they take the field. That comes despite the fact that Eli Drinkwitz’s offense is pretty complex and should lend itself to some mistakes, just like Josh Heupel’s offense.

What’s clear is that despite the close losses, Mizzou’s offense has figured it out. As a result, UT has to limit its penalties as much as possible to have a chance in this game. The crowd noise could make it difficult. It’s the one area in which that could come into play.

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