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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. Vanderbilt

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) hands the ball off to Tennessee running back Jabari Small (2) during a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football /
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Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during warm ups before the game against South Carolina on Saturday, October 26, 2019Kns Ut South Carolina
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during warm ups before the game against South Carolina on Saturday, October 26, 2019Kns Ut South Carolina /

Over the past few weeks, Tennessee football has had to find weaknesses to exploit against its Power Five opponents in hopes of pulling out a victory. When the Vanderbilt Commodores visit Rocky Top on Saturday, though, the question will be about how many weaknesses they can exploit to turn this game into a blowout.

Vandy obviously has lots of issues right now, and many of them play right into UT’s hands. As we get set to break down the players who will be most important to making sure the Vols cruise to an easy win, we’re going to take into account those weaknesses.

Obviously, Tennessee football has to take this game seriously. Anything can happen on any given Saturday, and this is a rivalry game. The Vols can’t ignore that. However, they don’t want a scare in their quest for just their second winning season in five years. Let’s look at the players who can avoid that. These are the five key Vols to watch for against Vandy.

Alontae Taylor. 839. Defensive back. Senior. 5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

6’0″ 195 pounds

One thing Vanderbilt has a real problem with is avoiding interceptions. They have consistently thrown them all year, and it doesn’t matter of Ken Seals or Mike Wright is the quarterback. Seals has thrown eight picks this seasons, and Wright has thrown five. Their 13 interceptions are tied for second worst in the SEC with the Texas A&M Aggies, only behind the Florida Gators.

Throughout the year, Alontae Taylor has proven to be an elite cover corner who can pick off passes. He has just two on the year, running one back for a touchdown that was the difference in their win over the Kentucky Wildcats, but that’s because he’s been a lockdown corner, not allowing lots of teams to throw his way.

Taylor’s impact will be two-fold for Tennessee football on Saturday. The Vols could obviously use an interception or two, but shutting down one side of the field could really limit Vandy’s already struggling offense. As a result, Taylor could play a huge role in this one.

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