Tennessee football at LSU: 10 keys to the game

7. How many early strikes can the Vols get?

A bye week is obviously going to be a factor here that works in Tennessee football’s favor. However, rather than getting healthy, the bye should have given Josh Heupel and the coaching staff time to prepare for LSU and be able to catch them off-guard in multiple ways early.

We’re talking not just the first drive, but the whole first half. Also, let’s face it. The Vols will need that. This year, they have been a great second quarter team, contrary to when they dominated the first quarter last year, but overall, they’re No. 2 in first half scoring at 28.5. points per game. They need the first quarter to catch up here.

There’s a reason for all of this. UT isn’t bad in the second half, but LSU is dominant. They average 18 second-half points per game, and while the Vols average more at 18.3, there are two caveats. First, LSU’s offense is more efficient, scoring touchdowns on six of 10 second-half drives with Jayden Daniels in there.

More importantly, though, the defense becomes dominant. That unit is fifth in the nation in fewest second half points allowed, giving up a mere five per game. As a result, the Vols’ best chance is to take advantage of the bye and strike early so the lead is too insurmountable.