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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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Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) warms up before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Pittsburgh Panthers in Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.Tennpitt0910 00164
Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy (15) warms up before a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Pittsburgh Panthers in Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.Tennpitt0910 00164 /

5. Press coverage battles between Vols wideouts and LSU cornerbacks

Here’s one key that doesn’t apply to both teams. Tennessee football’s defensive backs will play soft coverage and try to avoid giving up the big play. LSU, meanwhile, will play bump and run and try to not the receivers off their routes. Let’s get one thing clear: the Vols will get torched in the secondary once again.

However, whether or not the wideouts can break that press coverage will determine if they can neutralize what’s going to happen to their secondary. Cedric Tillman is banged up in this game, but Josh Heupel has quite a few big receivers who can handle such coverage.

Bru McCoy stands at 6’3″ 220 pounds. Ramel Keyton is 6’3″ 195 pounds on the other side, but the real story is whether or not McCoy can beat his man. If he can, the Vols should be able to run their full offense, and LSU will likely be in trouble, giving up tons of big plays.

On the other hand, McCoy just started playing football again after missing all of last year. This is his toughest battle, and with Tillman hurt, Tennessee football needs him desperately. Keyton also has to win his battles on the other side to truly make this work out. If they can, Hendon Hooker’s got some easy touchdown passes, but they have to do it.

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