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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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Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) 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) during a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.Kns Tennessee Florida Football /

3. Can Ball State cash in on Hendon Hooker’s slow release?

Getting to the pass rush on the other side, Ball State was awful at generating pressure last year. Bryce Cosby was their best pass rusher, leading the team in sacks and tackles for a loss, and he was a safety. he’s also gone, which leaves some issues here.

As a result, the Cardinals have a big reason to worry about what pressure they can generate up front. They are small in the middle, which is already a problem, but they don’t seem to have many options. Tavion Woodard on the outside is probably their best bet, and then it comes down to what their linebackers can do.

On the other hand, Tennessee football is ripe for allowing sacks. The Vols were No. 124 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed last year, as their quarterbacks were tackled behind the line of scrimmage 44 times. Returning four of five offensive linemen and both tight ends should help with that, but the fault of the sacks isn’t on them.

In reality, Hendon Hooker had an issue with pocket presence all season, which is why he also lost a few fumbles. As a result, even a team like Ball State without a major pass rush could take advantage of Hooker’s issues. Will they? If they can’t, then he’ll torch them all night.

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