All for Tennessee
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 10
Next
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) during warm ups before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (2) during warm ups before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Which offense starts faster?

We all know about Tennessee football’s offense last year. The Vols led the nation in first quarter scoring last year, averaging 14.7 points. Ball State, however, wasn’t bad either, as they averaged over eight points a quarter, which put them at No. 17. In 2020, they averaged just under 10 points a game, putting them at No. 15.

Simply put, while Josh Heupel’s team is all about scoring fast and setting the tone early, Mike Neu has been about that two in recent years. That could mean a lot of scoring for both teams early on Thursday night. It could also mean that one team has the clear advantage if they both play great in the first quarter.

Analyzing that advantage, things would seem to be on the Vols’ side. That’s because Ball State also gives up lots of points, while the Vols are just middle of the road in first quarter defense. Also, considering the talent Rocky Top returns on offense, they should be more prepared to have that immediate impact this year.

Still, with both teams having issues in the second quarter, the team that makes the early splash could be in control until the third quarter at least. If the Vols aren’t that team, that could turn out to be a problem. As a result, this is a major key to the game.

Home/Vols Football