Tennessee football vs. Ball State: Five last-minute predictions

4. John Paddock will throw at least two touchdown passes.

It may come in garbage time, or it may come in the second quarter when Tennessee football traditionally struggles. At some point, though, new Ball State quarterback John Paddock will find his footing and make a few nice throws, even if it doesn’t mean anything in the game.

In mop-up duty last year, Paddock did complete 18-of-26 passes, so he knows how to be efficient. More importantly, despite Justin Hall gone, the Vols have their leading receiver back in Jayshon Jenkins, and they also have their third leading receiver back in Yo’Heinz Tyler. Those two alone should give him a chance to make plays.

Vanderbilt Commodores transfer receiver Amir Abdur-Rahman also joins the group, giving him three elite weapons, and they use both of their running backs, Carson Steele and Will Jones, in the passing game. With both tackles back, he’ll have time to make some plays as well.

Then there is the issue with the Vols and their pass defense. Obviously, they struggled severely against the pass last year, particularly without Alontae Taylor in the Music City Bowl against the Purdue Boilermakers. Who’s to say they have cleaned those problems up? Combining these things together, Paddock will get some scores and may develop some confidence.