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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for against Purdue Boilermakers

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) plays defense during the first half against the South Alabama Jaguars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Theo Jackson (26) celebrates after a sack during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Redshirt senior. Theo Jackson. 4. Scouting Report. Defensive back. player. 839. Pick Analysis

6’2″ 203 pounds

By far the weakest part of Purdue’s team is their run game. For the year, they averaged just 84.3 yards a game and under three yards a carry, ranking No. 127 and No. 130 respectively in those categories. By the way, they are in the top half nationally in fewest tackles for a loss allowed with 71 (No. 60) and fewest sacks allowed with 27 (No. 64).

That means Purdue is just bad at running the ball in general. Their running backs get past the line but can’t do anything when the linebackers and defensive backs cheat up to stop the run. As a result, those type of players for UT will be key in this one.

Three players are tied for the lead in tackles for a loss this year on UT, who finished the year No. 7 in tackles for a loss per game with 7.83. In the secondary, Theo Jackson was the key guy here. For the season, Jackson had nine tackles for a loss and 73 tackles overall, 36 of which were solo.

In addition to his tackles for a loss, Jackson led the team with 10 pass deflections, and he had a pick-six on the year. That will also make him crucial, as Purdue’s offense is completely based on their passing game. With Alontae Taylor out, Jackson will be crucial, and this is his last college game, so he will obviously want to go out with a bang.

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