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Tennessee football at LSU: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; A general overall view of the LSU Tigers logo at midfield at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2021; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; A general overall view of the LSU Tigers logo at midfield at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman Charles Turner (69) celebrates after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers offensive lineman Charles Turner (69) celebrates after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Run blocking by both interior lines

Both teams have mobile quarterbacks and a solid rush offense. Tennessee football and LSU are both top 30 in rush yards per game. In this matchup, the schemes will require that they not only be able to run it with their running backs but that their quarterbacks are able to run some north-south plays. That could prove tricky.

LSU has a massive offensive line, but the Vols have some interior defensive linemen in guys like Omari Thomas who are starting to become major playmakers. Can they keep him in check to be able to draw up some designed running plays? That’s the only way for the offense to have balance.

On the other side, Cooper Mays and Jerome Carvin are veterans. Javontez Spraggins was offensive lineman of the week two weeks ago. Can Tennessee football use that to its advantage and win the battles up front? Key for the Vols this year has been their ability to convert on short-yardage runs. That’ll need to show up again.

It seems so simple, but the team that blocks the best on the interior has the chance to control the game. Given the fact that Josh Heupel’s offense actually starts with the vertical rushing attack, it’s probably more crucial for the Vols, but it’s crucial for both.

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