Game day: Virginia Tech vs. No. 17 Tennessee (Battle at Bristol)

Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd (1) escapes from Appalachian State defensive lineman Caleb Fuller (51) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne) Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd (1) escapes from Appalachian State defensive lineman Caleb Fuller (51) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

By Patrick Brown September 9, 2016 3 min read

VIRGINIA TECH (1-0) VS. NO. 17 TENNESSEE (1-0)

8 p.m. * Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, Tenn. * ABC/106.5 FM

THE MATCHUP

In a nine-day span Tennessee’s secondary will swap facing Appalachian State’s triple options, jet sweeps and reverses for actual downfield passes from Virginia Tech.

The Hokies will rely on wide receivers Isaiah Ford and Cam Phillips and tight end Bucky Hodges. The trio accounted for roughly 75 percent of Virginia Tech’s catches and receiving yards and combined to haul in 19 touchdown passes in 2015, and last week it combined for 19 catches, 212 yards and four touchdowns. The Hokies have a first-year starter at quarterback Jerod Evans, but the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder dual-threat junior college transfer has the respect of the Vols.