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Tennessee football vs. South Alabama: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

A military flyover passers over Neyland Stadium before an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football
A military flyover passers over Neyland Stadium before an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the South Carolina Gamecocks in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.Kns Tennessee South Carolina Football /
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Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel walks off the field after his in win the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green
Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel walks off the field after his in win the NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Bowling Green Falcons in Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, September 2, 2021.Ut Bowling Green /

It would be a shame for Tennessee football if Josh Heupel, after putting together what everybody would consider an overachieving season so far, had his first year on Rocky Top derailed by an upset loss at the end. He’s on track to guarantee a winning record, but at 5-5, his team still has to run the table as heavy favorites in their final two games in Knoxville, Tenn. at Neyland Stadium.

Their first opponent will be Saturday against the South Alabama Jaguars. UT is venturing into non-conference play for the first time since the third week of September, Hendon Hooker’s first start, when they beat the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 56-0.

Since then, this team has reset expectations in a big way. However, it has to finish the job. What can they do to make sure that happens this Saturday? Let’s break down what the Vols are facing here. You’ll notice turnovers and special teams play a huge role. These are the 10 keys to the game between Tennessee football and South Alabama.

10. Overconfidence and lack of motivation by Vols

This still plays off the introduction, but it’s a big deal. South Alabama is less of a circled win than it was at the beginning of the year. Kane Wommack has done an incredible job in his first year as head coach of the Jaguars. They jumped out to a 3-0 start, and although they have lost five of seven, three of those games were within one score, including two by two points.

Simply put, this team is 5-5 and could easily be 7-3 or even 8-2 at this point. Like UT, USA has a .500 record with a first-year head coach and is looking to reach at least .500 to end the season. The Vols have to take them seriously, as their morale is high given what Wommack has done.

Speaking of morale, in addition to taking this team seriously, Rocky Top has to be excited to play this game. Yes, not scoring a signature win over a team like the Georgia Bulldogs this year hurts, but they have to regroup and cherish the final moments to this season. A bowl is on the line, and Tennessee football needs to play like it.

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