Tennessee football at LSU: 10 keys to the game

2. Pass rush of both teams

In addition with linebackers containing the quarterbacks, both teams have to have an elite pass rush. This is a bit more on LSU, which has allowed mobile quarterbacks to torch it all year, but at the same time, it’s been pretty good at getting to the quarterback as well.

The Tigers have 13 sacks on the year. B.J. Ojulari and Sai’vion Jones have both been effective as edge rushers this year. Tennessee football hasn’t been great at avoiding sacks, but they haven’t been bad either. They’re pretty mediocre, so an elite pass rush like LSU should hit its averages at least. Doing more in this one is crucial.

Meanwhile, Byron Young has been knocking on the door for more sacks this year for the Vols, and he and Tyler Baron have put together a solid pass rush. Jayden Daniels is much more of a horizontal quarterback than Anthony Richardson, so he’ll roll out more.

Provided linebackers contain, that gives Young and Baron more shots at sacks if they take the right angles. There’s a reason Brian Kelly’s offense has allowed 16 sacks while Florida has allowed only three. Young and Baron getting sacks are also necessities in this game. Simply put, the team with the better edge rushers wins.