TENNESSEE (3-5) vs. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (5-3)
7:30 p.m. ' Neyland Stadium in Knoxville
SEC Network & 106.5 FM
THE MATCHUP
The Golden Eagles of Conference USA are not intimidated by Southeastern Conference opposition. Last year, they won 44-35 at Kentucky, and this season they lost 24-17 to the Wildcats. Southern Mississippi plays two quarterbacks, but its best offensive weapon is running back Ito Smith. The senior has run for 817 yards and seven touchdowns this season while also catching 27 passes for 325 yards and two scores. This is the first meeting between Tennessee and Southern Miss since 2007. The Golden Eagles led 13-10 after the first quarter of that contest, but the Vols eventually won 39-19 behind the play of running back Arian Foster and quarterback Erik Ainge. The Vols bring an 11-game nonconference game winning streak into this game, but they are on a four-game losing skid this season under embattled head coach Butch Jones. This break from SEC competition brings a must-win situation in Tennessee's quest for a bowl game.
ONES TO WATCH
If Tennessee left tackle Drew Richmond is unable to play, Tennessee's offensive line will likely feature three freshmen, including two players making their first collegiate starts. Freshman Trey Smith will slide to one of the tackle positions after starting the first eight games of the season at right guard. Seniors Jashon Robertson and Coleman Thomas will likely stay at left guard and center, respectively, which sets the stage for a possible combination of redshirt freshman Ryan Johnson at right guard and redshirt freshman Devante Brooks at right tackle if Richmond can't play. For a group that has already been struggling, the new faces in new positions could mean trouble. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jarrett Guarantano has been sacked 18 times over the past three games. The changes along the offensive line could also affect a running game that was effective in Tennessee's 29-26 loss to Kentucky last week despite the absence of the Vols' top offensive weapon, John Kelly.
IN THE END
Jones and athletic director John Currie have praised the Vols for continuing to play hard despite a losing streak that has many fans wishing Currie would fire the coach. The question is whether they will continue playing hard in their final four games as the distractions around the program continue to increase. With a social media movement among some fans to empty Neyland Stadium for this game in the works and a feeling among many that Jones' fate has already been decided, will Tennessee continue playing with effort? It's hard to know for sure, but the emergence of Guarantano as a team leader suggests the Vols will find enough motivation to get a win tonight. Guarantano is 0-3 as a starter, and he wants to prove that he is a winner.
PREDICTION: Tennessee 30, Southern Miss 20