Tennessee football: Five reasons Ball State could upset Vols

1. Experienced Ball State linebackers may make it hard for Vols’ run game

On the other side of the run game coin, Tennessee football’s offense is dependent on its rushing attack to get things going. Despite the efficiency of Hendon Hooker and the weapons he has at receiver, Josh Heupel’s teams are always at their best when they run the ball at least 50 percent more than they pass the ball.

Returning all interior linemen plus Jabari Small could help with that. However, while they are deceivingly deep at receiver, Ball State is deceivingly experienced at linebacker. Sure, they lose Jaylin Thomas, but he is more of a coverage linebacker anyway.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals return Clayton Coll, and they also get Brandon Martin healthy. Martin would basically offset Thomas, and he’s a better run-stopper anyway, just like Coll is. As a result, that will be the strength with the linebackers this year, and it’s one the Vols have to worry about.

There’s no matchup problem on this one, as the Vols have all the personnel to make for a solid running game. This factor is just about believing in Ball State’s linebackers, a very underrated part of what could make them a successful team this year. If they do get better, that unit probably will be the biggest reason.

As a result, Tennessee football has to be ready. Ball State’s linebackers could slow down Small and that rushing attack. If they do that while also controlling the clock themselves, then there’s a great chance the Vols never get into rhythm. All of a sudden, Ball State has an upset formula.