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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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Dec 31, 2020; Tucson, AZ, USA; Ball State Cardinals cornerback Amechi Uzodinma II (3) against the San Jose State Spartans during the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2020; Tucson, AZ, USA; Ball State Cardinals cornerback Amechi Uzodinma II (3) against the San Jose State Spartans during the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Elite Vols’ passing attack vs. experienced Ball State secondary

We know about just how elite Tennessee football’s passing offense is with Hendon Hooker. The Vols averaged over nine and a half yards an attempt through the air behind him last year, and Cedric Tillman became a 1,000-yard receiver. With both players back, expectations are for this attack to go through the roof.

Those expectations come despite the Vols replace Velus Jones Jr. and JaVonta Payton. Jalin Hyatt and now the eligibility of USC Trojans transfer Bru McCoy help with the concerns over those departures. A team like Ball State for the opener would seem like the perfect opportunity for them to put on that show.

However, not so fast. Ball State returns its best cornerback in Amechi Uzodinma II. Their other starting cornerback from last year, Nic Jones, is back after a season-ending injury derailed him last year, and if he’s back to full strength, that means experience on both sides.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Lee is a returning starter with plenty of experience at safety. These three guys offset the loss of Bryce Cosby, and they are more the coverage guys anyway. Could that help them against Tennessee football’s elite attack? It’s possible, so watch out for what they do. While the linebackers are the playmakers for Ball State, the secondary has some real experience.

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