All for Tennessee
Fansided

Tennessee football at Pitt: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 1, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Tennessee Volunteers player holds their helmet along the sidelines during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Tennessee Volunteers player holds their helmet along the sidelines during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 10
Next
Volunteers gather and sing the alma mater after the Tennessee vs Ball State football game in Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Utvsballstate 2461
Volunteers gather and sing the alma mater after the Tennessee vs Ball State football game in Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.Utvsballstate 2461 /

7. Vols’ lack of test vs. Pitt’s hangover from WVU win

Speaking of Pitt’s win over WVU, that could go one of two ways. It was a 38-31 shootout that truly came down to the wire. Now, such a close matchup won’t have Pitt tired for this game, as they also played on a Thursday, so a 10-day rest is plenty of time to get healthy. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be a hangover.

Vol fans know first hand how hard it is to get back up for a big game after a hard-fought victory. Their worst loss in history was the 2001 SEC Championship game to the LSU Tigers, and that came after arguably their best road win in school history at the Florida Gators.

At the same time, though, it could be an advantage for Pitt. They are better-tested now, having played WVU, and they got to see a lot more of their vulnerabilities that they need to work on. Contrast that with Tennessee football, whose starters had near-flawless performances in their 59-10 win over the Ball State Cardinals to open the season.

It’s hard to know which situation is preferable, and that could be different from team to team. Similar to the motivation factor, though, one will outweigh the other, and it really is all about Pitt. Will they have a hangover, or will they be better since they were tested?

Home/Vols Football