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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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Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) warming up before the game against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) warming up before the game against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ability of Jaguars to pick off passes vs. ability of Vols to avoid picks

While both teams are weak on the fumble front when South Alabama has the ball and Tennessee football is on defense, they are strong on the interception front when the Vols have the ball and South Alabama is on defense. Once again, something’s got to give between these two teams.

UT is one of the best in the nation at avoiding interceptions. Hendon Hooker has only thrown three on the year, and one of them was late against Pitt, before he even had his first start for the Vols. Rocky Top’s three passes intercepted puts them at No. 4 in the nation when it comes to limiting picks on the year.

Meanwhile, South Alabama is No. 6 in the nation at intercepting passes. They have picked off 14 on the year. This may be their biggest strength, and it helps them offset the problem they have at holding onto the ball. They’ll look to do the same thing to UT.

The previous slide plays a role in determining if the Vols make this game a blowout. This one determines if South Alabama makes it a game. Both are just average on the other side. UT is No. 50 in passes they have intercepted with nine, and South Alabama is No. 58 at limiting interceptions, having thrown eight on the year.

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