KNOXVILLE – Tennessee’s football game at Missouri on Saturday presents the Volunteers with an opportunity to come within one win of reaching bowl eligibility for the fourth consecutive year.
It also gives the Vols’ defense a chance to make good on a debt it owes the offense from last year’s 9-4 squad that won the Music City Bowl.
When Tennessee and Missouri squared off last year, the Vols allowed a school-record number of first downs (41) and yards (740) and still won 63-37 thanks to an explosive offense featuring eventual NFL draft picks Josh Dobbs, Alvin Kamara and Josh Malone.
This year’s Vols (4-5, 0-5) rank last in the Southeastern Conference in total offense, while Missouri (4-5, 1-4) is even better offensively than in 2016. Junior quarterback Drew Lock leads the country in passing touchdowns with 31, and the Tigers have scored 165 points in their last three games, all victories.
“They’re playing with confidence,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop noted Monday.