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Tennessee football at Missouri: Five key Tigers to watch

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 11, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) and offensive lineman Michael Maietti (55) celebrate a touchdown by running back Tyler Badie (1) during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) and offensive lineman Michael Maietti (55) celebrate a touchdown by running back Tyler Badie (1) during the fourth quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) drops back for a handoff abasing the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) drops back for a handoff abasing the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Redshirt sophomore. 3. player. Connor Bazelak. 822. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Quarterback

6’3″ 212 pounds; Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Last year, Tennessee football benefitted from Eli Drinkwitz’s lack of decision-making. Drinkwitz started Shawn Robinson at quarterback over Connor Bazelak, as it was early in the season, and he hadn’t figured out who his quarterback would be just yet.

However, Bazelak proved himself to be the guy in that game, and ever since, he has been the full-time starter. In the process, Bazelak has been one of the biggest stars for the Tigers, and that’s not just because he’s the quarterback on the team.

So far this year, Bazelak has completed 106-of-154 passes (68.8 percent) for 1,200 yards (7.8 yards per attempt), 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also has 22 rushing yards. However, what’s so impressive about him has been his ability to spread the ball around, which was detailed in the previous slide given the number of receivers have gone over 100 yards.

Obviously, the Vols will have to contain him at all costs. Drinkwitz is the type of coach whose quarterbacks tend to thrive in his system, and Bazelak happens to fit that mold right now. If UT can limit his big plays, the Vols have a great chance to remain in control of this game until the end.

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