TENNESSEE (0-2) vs. UTC (1-1)
Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019
Noon at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville
VIDEO & RADIO
SEC Network & 106.5/97.7 FM/1070 AM
THE MATCHUP
While it wasn't the last play of the game, the lasting memory of Tennessee's double-overtime loss to BYU last Saturday was a 64-yard completion from Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson to Micah Simon that led to a tying field goal and forced the extra time. The Volunteers' secondary came under fire after that play, with coach Jeremy Pruitt plainly stating during his postgame news conference that the desired coverage was "the one where you don't give up a 75-yard completion." While University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback Nick Tiano has struggled to start the season, the former Mississippi State quarterback did throw for 2,710 yards and 15 scores for the Mocs last year and at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds is regarded as a potential NFL prospect. His best receiver, junior Bryce Nunnelly, is a preseason Football Championship Subdivision All-American who had nearly 80 catches for more than 1,200 yards last season and already has 187 receiving yards in two games this season. He is a deep threat with eight scores in his Mocs career.
ONE TO WATCH
Vols quarterback Jarrett Guarantano isn't as bad as he has looked the first two games, and this week he received votes of confidence from Pruitt and players interviewed, with receiver Marquez Callaway saying "We've got his back." The junior could have some opportunities against a UTC secondary that, while having intercepted two passes and broken up 12 others, allowed 344 passing yards and two scores last week to FCS power Jacksonville State.
IN THE END
As bad as the moments have been through the first two games, had the Vols turned a couple of field goals into touchdowns they'd be 2-0, signaling they're not that far off. Their next five games are against Southeastern Conference competition, with three contests - at Florida, versus Georgia and at Alabama - against teams ranked in the top 10 in the country. Tennessee needs this one badly and will dominate UTC while getting closer to the type of "60-minute game" Pruitt has been seeking.
PREDICTION
Tennessee 45, UTC 7
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3 or at Facebook.com/VolsUpdate.