TENNESSEE TECH (3-5) AT TENNESSEE (5-3)
4 p.m. * Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn. * SEC Network Alternate/106.5 FM
Freshman running back Carlin Fils-aime looks on during a punt return period in Tennessee's practice at Haslam Field on Nov. 1, 2016.THE MATCHUP
For the first time since 2013, Tennessee's backfield won't include Jalen Hurd, and his departure this week coupled with Alvin Kamara's knee injury leaves the Vols with a new-look backfield led by John Kelly. Though there's excitement about his potential, he can't carry the workload by himself.
Freshmen Carlin Fils-aime and Jeremy Lewis, and walk-on Jayson Sparks all could get carries today. Fils-aime, who was partially at fault for the costly fourth-quarter fumble against South Carolina, has just four carries this season.
"He's really worked hard on his overall knowledge of the offense," head coach Butch Jones said. "He's a slasher. (He) has very, very good speed, has breakaway speed. I'm excited to see what he can do with the ball in his hands."
ONE TO WATCH
Tennessee fans better enjoy watching Derek Barnett play in orange while they can. The star defensive end, seemingly a lock to go to the NFL draft after the season, has at most six games left with the Vols.
In typical Barnett fashion, he said this week he's more frustrated by his team's losing streak than excited by his own production. He's tied for the national lead with nine sacks and needs three more to match Tennessee legend Reggie White's program record for career sacks.
Tennessee's Derek Barnett (right) and Justin Martin (left) team up for a sack of South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley in the first half of their college football game. The Gamecocks beat the Vols 24-21 at Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 29, 2016."It's crazy playing on the opposite side of this dude," defensive end LaTroy Lewis said. "Sometimes you take it for granted. At the end of the day, Derek will end up being one of the greatest defensive linemen to ever play at Tennessee or in the SEC or college football, period."
IN THE END
It's been a tumultuous week for Tennessee in the wake of the debacle at South Carolina and Hurd's unfortunate exit. How the Vols show up in what could be a sleepy stadium against an FCS opponent is anybody's guess.
The players said the right things this week about team unity and morale, but will it translate to a faster start and the Vols' first complete game of the season?
"It's about Tennessee," Jones said. "Is this team going to step up and play to our expectations? Are they going to play to our style of play?"
If they do, the Vols could give extended work to younger players like quarterback Quinten Dormady, offensive linemen Drew Richmond, Venzell Boulware and Marcus, safety Nigel Warrior and more.
PREDICTION: TENNESSEE 41, TENNESSEE TECH 14