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Tennessee football’s five priorities for bye week in 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel talks with linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the first half against the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel talks with linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) during the first half against the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Princeton Fant (88) fumbles the ball while being tackled by Florida Gators cornerback Avery Helm (24) and linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Princeton Fant (88) fumbles the ball while being tackled by Florida Gators cornerback Avery Helm (24) and linebacker Ventrell Miller (51) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Stopping the fumbles

In the quest for Hendon Hooker’s Heisman campaign, Tennessee football seems to be forgetting about a huge factor in turnovers. Yes, Hooker has not thrown an interception since last year against the Georgia Bulldogs, and he has 45 touchdowns to two interceptions since being named the starter last year. Those stats are incredible.

However, limiting fumbles is a different issue. Although it was on a missed block, Hooker did have his first fumble of the season against Florida after being sacked. Meanwhile, Princeton Fant, who has had issues with penalties and butterfingers, fumbled on the first drive after catching a first-down slant pass.

Jaylen Wright fumbled once in each of the first two games. The Vols have already fumbled seven times this year and lost five of them. That second number is No. 117 in the country in terms of fewest fumbles lost on the season. It’s been a major problem for them.

To be fair, two of the fumbles were in garbage time in the opener against the Ball State Cardinals, including one of the fumbles they lost. However, four of the five lost fumbles came at Pitt and against Florida, so the Vols have nearly cost themselves plenty of times. One came in a part of the game that leads to our next point.

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