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Tennessee football vs. Missouri: 10 keys to the game for Vols and Tigers

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee players warm up before Tennessee's Homecoming game against UT-Martin at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.Kns Vols Ut Martin Bp
Tennessee players warm up before Tennessee's Homecoming game against UT-Martin at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.Kns Vols Ut Martin Bp /
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Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) and linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) ready to play defense during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Aaron Beasley (24) and linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) ready to play defense during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Positioning of Vols’ linebackers

Speaking of Tennessee football on the back end, a huge part of what Missouri does is rely on the run game to make it ugly. Now, they average just under four yards a carry, but they like to milk the clock, which helps keep that elite defensive line well-rested, and it causes trouble for teams trying to get off the field.

Getting off the field was a huge issue for the Vols last week, as Georgia and Kirby Smart sold out to running clock in the second half. If UT is to control this game, it has to stop the run. They’ll be fine up front. The defensive tackles have done a great job all year and even did so against Georgia last week. What’s crucial is the linebackers.

Can Jeremy Banks, Juwan Mitchell and Aaron Beasley stay in the right position to make plays in the run game? They can’t be aggressive, as that might play into Mizzou’s hands, especially with the intermediate passing game of Mizzou. However, they have to be in on a lot of plays.

All of that will depend on positioning. Generally, Mitchell has been the do-it-all linebacker, Banks has been the run-stopper and Beasley has been the coverage linebacker and a guy joining the edge rushers at times. All of them have to be on their toes in this one to make sure the defense remains dominant.

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