Tennessee football at Missouri: Five key Tigers to watch

They may be 2-2, but the Missouri Tigers have lots of weapons Tennessee football will have to deal with. Don’t forget that Eliah Drinkwitz’s team is just a touchdown in each loss away from being undefeated, and both of their losses came to Power Five schools on the road. This is a dangerous team with a good bit of talent.

As we get set to break down the key players for Mizzou that the Vols will have to deal with in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, most of them accentuate the obvious strengths of the team. Mizzou is one of those teams that has blatant strengths and weaknesses.

However, there are some players who could be considered bright spots in what otherwise are weaknesses for the program. This post looks at the best players on the team, but the rankings are based on how they match up against Rocky Top. These are the five key Mizzou players to keep an eye on when they face Tennessee football on Saturday.

6’3″ 204 pounds; Hometown: Orlando, Fla.

Interceptions aren’t really a problem for the Vols. Although their one interception of the year proved to be a costly one, a final play by the offense in their 41-34 loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers, their issues have usually been much more about fumbles. However, that doesn’t mean ball-hawking safeties can’t be an issue for them.

Mizzou has held opponents to under 200 passing yards a game for a reason. Three pass deflections from Kris Abrams-Draine and two from Akayleb Evans, Jalani Williams and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. all had an impact. However, Jaylon Carlies is the top playmaker in the group.

Although he doesn’t have any pass deflections, Carlies is the top playmaker of the group. He’s the catalyst for three turnovers: two interceptions and a forced fumble. Starting with him at safety, Martez Manuel came close to this spot with a pass deflection and two sacks, but Carlies has made bigger plays. He’s the top guy in the secondary Tennessee football needs to focus on.