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Tennessee football vs. Ball State: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Fans outside Neyland Stadium before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Fans outside Neyland Stadium before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ball State’s Clayton Coll celebrates an interception against Central Michigan during their game at Scheumann Stadium Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021.
Ball State’s Clayton Coll celebrates an interception against Central Michigan during their game at Scheumann Stadium Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. /

8. Third down defense

It’s always hard to project these things when it comes to the opener, as you have no idea what each team will look like down the road. However,  based on last year, third down defense should be a huge issue for both of them, and the team that does a better job getting off the field early should develop an advantage.

Tennessee football’s third down defense was abysmal, ranked No. 101 nationally, as they allowed teams to convert 42.13 percent of the time. Ball State wasn’t much better, though, ranked No. 85, as they converted 40.59 percent of the time. The offenses, though, even this out.

Last year, the Vols’ third down offense was ranked No. 24 nationally, as they converted 44.69 percent of the time. Ball State’s third down offense was ranked No. 64, converting 40.32 percent of the time. That could get even worse this year with a change at quarterback.

Since the back seven of both teams are relatively in tact, you can expect similar third down defenses this year, which is a concern. However, if an advantage does come into play here, it lies with the Vols, who are more likely to have the horses to cash in on this third down weakness despite their third down defense being worse.

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