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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 3, 2020; Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; South Alabama quarterback Desmond Trotter (1) makes a throw against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the first quarter at M. M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2020; Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; South Alabama quarterback Desmond Trotter (1) makes a throw against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the first quarter at M. M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Who does South Alabama play at quarterback?

There is reason for Tennessee football to have concern regardless of who plays. One has a history of beating the Vols already, and the other poses a huge matchup problem for them given the way they have played at one spot this year.

Jake Bentley has been South Alabama’s starter for most of the year. His 184 completions on 261 passes (70.5 percent) for 2,125 yards (8.1 yards per attempt), 15 touchdowns and five interceptions would be impressive enough. However, he is also 3-0 against the Vols, having beaten them every year from 2016 to 2018 as the South Carolina Gamecocks’ starter.

This game, Bentley may or may not be able to go due to a knee injury. If he can’t go, then Desmond Trotter will be the guy. Trotter has completed 42 of 72 passes (58.3 percent) for 380 yards (5.3 yards per attempt), three touchdowns and three interceptions. However, he wins games with his legs, as he has 20 carries for 44 yards. That’s a bad matchup for the Vols.

Issues at linebacker have caused Rocky Top to be torched at containing mobile quarterbacks. Matt Corrall of the Ole Miss Rebels and Bryce Young of the Alabama Crimson Tide both had their best rushing performances against the Vols.

Stetson Bennett of the Georgia Bulldogs was one yard short of his best rushing performance. Will Levis of the Kentucky Wildcats was three yards short of his best rushing performance before two late sacks. The point is, Tennessee football can’t contain mobile quarterbacks, and Bentley owns them. As a result, either quarterback will be a problem for them.

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