TENNESSEE (3-5) vs. UAB (6-1)
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019
7 p.m. at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville
VIDEO & RADIO
ESPNU & 106.5 FM
THE MATCHUP
The University of Alabama at Birmingham currently ranks in the top 11 in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total defense (fifth), sacks (seventh) and yards allowed (11th). The Blazers' 26 sacks would be impressive no matter where they ranked, and their defensive front has been able to create pressure against opponents all season. Tennessee is in a tough spot this week because coach Jeremy Pruitt said Wednesday that whether tackles Jahmir Johnson and Darnell Wright play will require game-time decisions after both were injured in last week's win against South Carolina. Tennessee's offensive line has been a work in progress all season, and it's highly likely the Volunteers will use their seventh starting combination up front this year. The group will be tasked with keeping pressure off the quarterback, whoever that may be.
ONES TO WATCH
All three of Tennessee's scholarship QBs - redshirt junior Jarrett Guarantano, redshirt freshman J.T. Shrout and true freshman Brian Maurer - took snaps in practice this week. What's most likely against UAB is that Maurer, who was ruled out last week after exiting the previous two games due to concussion, will make his fourth start in five games. Guarantano, who broke a bone in his left (non-throwing) hand in last Saturday's game and had surgery, would likely be used only in a pinch because he didn't practice this week until Wednesday. Or all three could take snaps, as could senior receiver Jauan Jennings, who took the first two against the Gamecocks. Last month showed the Vols can win with all three quarterbacks - Maurer and Guarantano both played in the 20-10 win against Mississippi State, and Jennings, Guarantano and Shrout all contributed to last Saturday's success.
IN THE END
UAB has a good defense - the question is how good. The best offense the Blazers have faced so far this season, Western Kentucky's, ranks 105th nationally in yards per game. (The Hilltoppers are in their first year under head coach Tyson Helton, Tennessee's offensive coordinator last season.) The Vols, who have experienced lots of twists and turns on offense this season, rank 103rd in yards per game and 98th in scoring. They are coming off a 495-yard performance against South Carolina, though, and the Vols will maintain that momentum with a homecoming victory in resounding fashion.
PREDICTION
Tennessee 30, UAB 10
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3 or at Facebook.com/VolsUpdate.