After three straight non conference opponents, the Volunteers open their 2018 SEC slate with a usual suspect, the Florida Gators. Vol fans require no reminders to how big this game is, no matter the records or expectations for either team. This is a game between two teams and two fan bases that simply do not like one another, a true rivalry in the SEC East. While this contest is rich with tradition, history, great players, thrilling plays, and memorable games, the most important contest is always the upcoming game. The 2018 edition of this rivalry is no different in that regard. While for the first time in decades neither the Vols nor the Gators are expected to contend for the SEC crown, both of these teams enter today's matchup in similar places. Both teams are coming off hugely disappointing, four win campaigns in 2017 that lead to new coaching staffs on either sideline. Both teams are considered rebuilding by the media at large, as the new staffs implement systems that differ greatly from those of their respective predecessors. Finally, both of these teams enter today in need of a big win against a bitter rival. Again, no matter the records, this is a big game for both of these programs, and a win would be an enormous boost to each of these teams and their new head coaches. Jeremy Pruitt and Dan Mullen can each find a clue to winning their first taste of this rivalry as head coaches by looking into its storied past. For years, especially in the hay day of this rivalry, the game always seemed to come down to one, single statistic: Rushing yards. Whichever team managed to run the ball the best and, thanks to the way sacks are scored, protect their quarterback the best, won this game for years. It was the single stat that defined who won and lost the game year after year. The last few seasons have seen this stat flip, as the team that has rushed the ball best has lost the game. Look for this trend to revert to type today in Neyland Stadium, as the team most effective on the ground should leave victorious. Neither the Vols nor the Gators have looked particularly explosive through the air, despite both teams having talented play makers out wide. Tyrie Cleveland is best weapon the Gators have at their disposal by far, though his production has been limited by streaky play from Felipe Franks and the Gator offensive line. For the Vols, Marquez Callaway is a dynamic player at receiver, and he has definitely shown flashes this season even in the framework of an offense that has been run oriented. Jarret Guarantano and the Volunteer passing game have been efficient above all else so far in 2018, taking care of the ball, completing a high percentage of passes, and taking down field shots when the opportunity presents. That said, Tennessee has taken their shot plays primarily off of play action, looking for explosive plays through the air after establishing the run. Inconsistent play from everyone other than Cleveland in the Florida passing game and the Vols' reliance on setting up the pass with the run indicates how important a strong running game will be for both teams today. The Gators need to take pressure off of Franks and this offensive line that is prone to giving up big hits on him. They need to stay ahead of the sticks, on schedule, and out of third and long at all costs. Make no mistake, at least early in this game, Neyland Stadium is going to be rocking, and the noise will absolutely be a factor. In big night games, Neyland itself becomes almost a living entity at times, and when the Vols take advantage of that, it becomes one of the most difficult places in America to be a visitor. Franks does not have extensive experience starting in true road games, and Neyland is a place where that can have an impact. Franks has been prone to making some bad decisions in his young career with the Gators, and third and long with over one hundred thousand screaming fans bearing down can create mistakes from experienced signal callers. The Gators want to protect Franks, and the best way to do that is with an effective running game. This allows Florida to stay ahead of the sticks, utilize all of Dan Mullen's extensive playbook, and keep Franks out of situations where the Vols can predict what is coming. It also keeps them from becoming too one dimensional, something that can happen with Dan Mullen's offense, particularly if the run game is stymied early. Florida does not want to put this entire game on their young quarterback's shoulders, and as such, they need to find consistent success on the ground. The Gators don't need to be explosive when they run, just good enough to stay on schedule and make Tennessee's young defensive backs honor a play fake, potentially freeing up Cleveland one on one with a true freshman corner on a home run ball. Those are odds the Gators like. It is worth noting here, Florida will be down their top running back today, as Malik Davis is out with an injury sustained in the Gators loss to Kentucky two weeks ago. The Volunteers rely far more heavily on the run than do the Gators, and success on the ground is absolutely critical to any hope they have of winning this contest. Like Florida, Tennessee has an offense that desperately needs to stay on schedule, which a healthy ground game helps. Unlike Florida, Tennessee does need to be explosive when they run the ball. Three of the most dangerous offensive players for the Vols in this young campaign all play at running back. That means if the Tennessee offense is hitting big plays, they are going to come via the run. Another difference from Florida is that the Gator offense looks to pass first, and while Jarret Guarantano and the Volunteer receivers are certainly capable of throwing the ball, Tyson Helton has set up his long throws almost entirely off of play action passes this season. This Tennessee offense is built on being balanced, and when that balance is there it can become very difficult to contain. The focus is going to be on the Tennessee offensive line. This is a group that has looked lost at times in all three games, but has also paved the way for long, run heavy, clock and defense grinding drives in each of those games as well. This unit has the talent to do what Pruitt and Helton want to do today, the question is whether or not they are ready to play mentally in terms of assignments and emotionally in terms of showing some fire. That said, this group, or any group for Tennessee for that matter, coming out flat in this game would be astounding. Should the Vols get solid offensive line play, they have a stable of backs in Ty Chandler, Tim Jordan, Jeremy Banks, and Madre London that have each demonstrated the ability to dramatically impact a game this season while utilizing different skill sets. An effective Tennessee run game also sets a strong armed Jarret Guarantano up with one on one matchups for his extremely talented receivers down the field. To be clear, the Vols must run the ball well to have any chance of winning. There are plenty of other factors in this game to be discussed, but none are even close to seeing which team can run and stop the run the best. Kentucky did not block particularly well in their win over Florida, despite a huge day on the ground for the Wildcats, Benny Snell made plays by exploiting poor tackling and tackling angles from the Gators, and gashing Florida for big runs when he did get sound blocking. Tennessee's offensive line is capable of blocking well in this scheme, however consistency is a question. Still, if the offensive line is adequate, the Volunteer backs have shown the ability to make opposing defenders miss one on one in various ways. All eyes are going to be on the trenches when Tennessee has the ball, as the Gators are likely to go as their defensive line does. When the Gators are on offense, look in the middle of the line. Expect to see more of Emmit Gooden in the Nose Tackle spot for Tennessee today, as he has been commanding the double teams imperative for an effective 3-4 defense, as well as making plays in the backfield. It may not be pretty, but the Nose Tackle play will be the barometer for the Volunteer defense whether it is Gooden or Shy Tuttle. How the Vols handle Tyrie Cleveland will also be worth watching. Cleveland is the most explosive option available for the Gator offense, and it is a wide gap to second on that list. Florida wants to have a second receiver emerge or to run the ball well enough that Tennessee has to commit a safety to the box in order to get Cleveland one on one opportunities against true freshman corners Alontae Taylor and Bryce Thompson. If Tennessee can keep Cleveland bracketed all day, with a safety over the top, it will prove difficult for Florida to manufacture big plays for him. If he gets his looks one on one, he is a threat to score each time he touches the ball. Mullen and Franks will take their chances on that match up each time they get it. Beyond the battle in the trenches and the best running team likely leaving with a win, there are a few X Factors in this game. Briefly discussed above, look for Neyland Stadium to play an important role in this game. These fans feed off the team and off themselves. If Tennessee gets out to an early lead, begins making big plays, or has a close game late, the environment and the noise will absolutely be factors. Neyland Stadium, when it is at that fever pitch, is worth a touchdown itself. Do not underestimate the impact that this home field advantage can have. Florida will make taking this crowd out of the game early one of their primary goals. On the flip side, if things begin to go badly for Florida, this is an environment that can see them snowball out of control quickly, like they did in the second half of the 2016 meeting. Speaking of that 2016 meeting, that brings up another X Factor, Jauan Jennings. Jennings had a monster game against the Gators the last time he was on the field against them, delivering a back breaking touchdown reception on Jalen Tabor to put the Vols ahead to stay. This season, coming off of injury, Jennings has not been on the field as much for Tennessee as many expected. However, his role has been expanding, as discussed by Jeremy Pruitt and demonstrated by his first touchdown of the season last week against UTEP. Jennings looks to be rounding into form, and for all of his skill on the field, and that skill is such that he is one of the best receivers in the SEC when fully healthy, it is his leadership and attitude that may be more important. Jennings is a fiery competitor, physical in his routes, fighting for receptions, after the catch, and especially in his blocking. He maintains an attitude that he expects his teammates to play up to. As one of the only players that was integral to the last Volunteer victory over the Gators, Jennings' leadership and experience will be important if Tennessee wants to pull the upset. Finally, look for two additions from the JUCO ranks to have expanded, important roles today. On offense, Tennessee has barely utilized prized tight end recruit Dominick Wood Anderson. Wood Anderson has been on the field for most of the plays the Vols have had on offense, however, for some reason, plays have just not seemed to go his way. Wood Anderson is a weapon, and has flashed his ability when provided opportunities this season. In a game where the Vols want to keep safeties out of the box or make Florida pay for walking one down or doubling Callaway or Jennings, Wood Anderson has to be weapon. He is too valuable attacking the middle of the field, especially up the seam if safeties have to support the run, to barely be targeted today. On defense, look for outside linebacker Jordan Allen to see more snaps. Tennessee's biggest struggle on defense, bar none, has been in generating a pass rush. Allen was brought to Tennessee primarily to make an impact in that area immediately. The Vols know that getting pressure on Franks allows them an opportunity to blow this game wide open, and Allen is a piece that can facilitate that. Given the struggles of the front seven in that area so far, look for Tennessee to use Allen creatively today. All those keys are well and good, but what do they add up to at the end of the day? Tennessee should be at least 4-1 in their last five meetings with the Gators, and likely would have been with even competent coaching. The worst team in Tennessee history should have beaten the Gators by at least 14 points last season in Gainesville. Florida is not a good team right now, and while the Vols may not be either, they appear to be better than the Gators again. For all the talk of Tennessee having no talent on this roster, the Vols have out recruited the Gators for the last four seasons. Tennessee has a coach now, and his biggest challenge will be to get through to his players that they can beat this team. Tennessee should win this game. Jeremy Pruitt is expected to have his team win this game, and this contest is by far the best measuring stick of who he is as a coach that will come this season. If Pruitt is the man to turn Tennessee around, he has to win this game, he has to help his players overcome the mental obstacles that have plagued the Vols against Florida for years, and he has to win this game at home. The nation is going to learn a lot about Jeremy Pruitt and his Vols today, likely that they were wrong about him and how bare his cupboard was. If the Vols establish the run early, which should be expected, they can impose their will on the Gators, set up explosive passes, grind the Florida defense, grind the clock with a late lead, and keep the crowd in the game to the end. An impressive day on the ground leads the Vols to a 31-14 win in Neyland Stadium. As an aside, there is a potential for thunderstorms tonight, so the Vols could be looking at three weather delays in four games. Pack the ponchos with a smile though, Vol fans, because a rainy, muddy game favors Tennessee. Besides, as the late, great John Ward referenced it, who doesn't want to see a Tennessee win, “In the DOWNPOUR.”

As we prepare for the game Saturday, tons of predictions are being thrown around. From the likes of ESPN writers to local writers. This game is a big time rivalry game and may be the most important game in this series in a long time. As we grow closer to the weekend, I asked several current vol commits and big time targets their thoughts and score predictions for the vols/gators game Saturday. This is what they told me: “I got tennessee 24-21. they finally got it figured out what they need to do. everything they have been working on has all come together” ~ 3 star TE Tennessee commit Sean brown “It will be a pretty good game. It will be a dog fight but I do think Tennessee will pull it out in a close one. My prediction score: 27-24” ~ 4 star WR Vol Target Jalen “boobie” Curry “I think it’s going to be a close one, 35-24 vols” ~ 4 star Safety Tennessee commit Jaylen McCullough “Tennessee 24 UF 7” ~ 3 star QB vols commit Brian Maurer “21-3 Tennessee 😬” ~ 4 star DT Tennessee Target Charles Moore “I think that Tennessee will play its best game so far this season, and I believe that the running game will open up on Saturday. Tennessee 28 UF 24” ~4 star OT Vols commit Jackson lampley As it seems, vol commits and targets seem very enthusiastic about where this staff is going and what they expect in the future. Let’s all hope for volnation’s sake that all these guys predictions are correct! Go Vols

As we head into week 4 in the college football season, Tennessee has found its way into a pivotal football game. This is without a doubt the most important game of the season. In a season where Tennessee looks to rebuild, it’s no secret that Jeremy Pruitt isn’t conceding defeat to anyone. So the question has he asked... Is this the most important game for the vols in the past decade? My answer is yes and here’s why. We all know for the past 13 years this rivalry has been one sided. 12 out of the last 13 times these teams have played the result has favored the gators. For Tennessee this has to change and now is the time to do it. Both programs are coming off 4 win seasons and both have new coaching staffs so there is no better time than now. If you look at quarterback, Franks has shown he struggles with his decision making and going through reads. Guarantano on the other hand has show great improvement, including being one of the few quarterbacks to not have a turnover yet this season. Also being one of the most accurate. I highlighted this position specifically because that’s my key to the game. If you dissect both programs, the difference is evident. While Florida has a fun, dance around, all smiles staff and team, Tennessee is all about the business. You won’t find many photos or videos of Jeremy Pruitt smiling. On the other end of the spectrum, dan Mullen is dancing in his locker room and on the field. The difference is obvious, so which one will prevail. I go back to my original point. Tennessee has to take advantage of Florida’s down years and get back to the winning side. Now is the chance and the vols will look to gain momentum in this rivalry Saturday.

Week 2 of college football has came and went and we found out little bit about some teams. Today we’ll be checking out how each sec east team performed and what we learned about that team. Georgia Week 2 was suppose to be a pivotal week for the bulldogs as they set out on a road trip to Williams Bryce stadium in Columbia South Carolina. The bulldogs would take on the hot South Carolina gamecock. A few people actually put Georgia on upset alert. The game started fast for the bulldogs with a quick pick 6, South Carolina battled back a bit but ultimately Georgia was able to roll South Carolina without any concern. We learned that Georgia is still in prime form and in great shape to make a run at the college football playoffs. Missouri Mizzou had a battle against Wyoming this past weekend, and it showed us about the same that week 1 showed us. Drew lock is legit. There is absolutely no reason that critics shouldn’t be talking about drew lock as a legit contender to be one of the best quarterbacks in the sec maybe even the country. A lot of questions surrounded Missouri when they hired Derek dooley as their offensive coordinator, but they havent missed a beat. Putting up staggering number, I believe weve learned Missouri looks like they can compete for 2nd in the sec east. South carolina As mentioned above, South Carolina looked like they were in the best position to be the one to hand Georgia a big time upset. Unfortunately it just wasn’t the case. South Carolina went complete stale and wasn’t about to produce anything against the stout Georgia defense. I do believe South Carolina is still a good team but I do question whether they’re able to perform in big time games. We learned that although South Carolina has tons of weapons, coach muschamp still struggles to put up points on legit defenses. Tennessee Tennessee struggled tremendously on defense against West Virginia and it was alarming. Next up on the schedule was a less daunting opponent. East Tennessee came into neyland to battle the vols and there were more than a few things vol fans wanted to see. The defense smothered the bucs as the offense started off slow. A weather delay hit the vols again but this time it provided a spark. The vols came out flying forcing turnovers and scoring on special teams, defense and offense. I would say the game went as good as it could go and we seen several freshmen stats show out. What we learned from Tennessee is that the vols are very young but extremely talented. Jarrett guarantano showed that he is much improved at quarterback and is hands down the starter. Florida After dominating their first opponent charleston southern, Florida fans were very optimistic. Franks looked very good at quarterback, the defense was smothering and it was evident that the gators had talent. In week 2 against the Kentucky wildcats all that wasn’t anywhere to be found. Florida looked like you would expect a team coming off a 4-7 season to look like. After 31 years the gators had finally lost to the wildcats. Franks was unimpressive, the offensive line was abysmal, and the secondary was suspect. We learned that Florida is in fact not back yet and it will take time to rebuild a program coming off a bad season like they had last year. Kentucky The streak is over! 31 years was long enough for the wildcats. The ever so impressive ”terry touchdown” shredded the gators defense drive after drive. After a less than stellar week 1, Kentucky didn’t look that dangerous but they came out blazing on the road against Florida. In fact if it wasn’t for needless penalties and unfortunate turnovers, I think Kentucky should’ve won that game by 3 scores or more. We learned that Kentucky May in fact be dangerou. Their new quarterback is gonna be dangerous down the road and I believe Benny snell is one of the best backs in the league. Vanderbilt Week 1 started slow and closed great for vandy. Let’s be real here vandy is predicted to be the worst team in the entire sec. The first 2 opponents weren’t gonna tell us much about the commodore but I have to admit they are semi impressive. It looked like the game vs Nevada was gonna be a battle but vandy quickly took over and demolished to Wolfpack. In my opinion, we didn’t learn much about vandy. They are 2-0 so that is a good start but I don’t believe we’ll see to many wins in the future from Vanderbilt. Truth is we won’t know exactly until we see just exactly how vandy stacks up against an actual power 5 opponent in which they play this week against notre dame.

Fans often ask, just what can we really learn from games against schools that look like alphabet soup? The answer to that is plenty, you just have to know where to look. The Vols took care of business on Saturday, September the 8th against the Buccaneers of ETSU to the tune of 59-3. FCS opponent or not, that is a score that should make Volunteer fans feel good about this team because they came out and did what they were supposed to do. Under Butch Jones, the Vols often came out to hiccups against teams they were quite frankly expected to roll over. That isn’t to say that the Vols played Saturday without issue, a different team seemed to come out of the tunnel after the second lightning delay in as many weeks than the one that first ran out of the T. Looking ahead to a game against UTEP, the Vols face another opponent that they should beat and beat badly. Still, this particular group of Volunteers has more of meaning that they can draw from this game, as well as the ETSU game, than you might expect. The elephant in the room is the offensive line and their play for Tennessee. The line was beaten badly by West Virginia, especially transfer Nose Tackle Kenny Bigelow. Coming off a difficult performance, the Vols opened play in Neyland Stadium struggling mightily with the front seven from ETSU, particularly Nasir Player, who is expected to be a selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Still, the line struggled initially against a unit that they should have been able to come out and physically outmatch. Whether the Vols were adjusting to being without Brandon Kennedy, lost for the 2018 season to a knee injury, struggling with a unique ETSU alignment up front, or just getting beat individually, the initial struggles the line had against the Bucs was concerning. And then the lightning delay happened. Tennessee came out after the delay, switched running backs to Jeremy Banks, and started running straight ahead at the Bucs. The Vols got a better push up front, created lanes for the freshman, and began to impose their will as they pushed the visitors from Johnson City around for the remainder of the game. So, what is there to make of all this, and what is there to look for going into the UTEP game? Jeremy Pruitt has talked in multiple interviews about changing the culture at Tennessee, as well as this team needing to be more mentally tough. Pruitt has even gone as far as calling some of the team soft in an interview upon first taking the job. As a football player, particularly an offensive or defensive lineman, the worst things you can be called are soft or a quitter. Pruitt has said he has seen both on this team. No group seems to struggle more with the mental toughness or focus issue than the offensive line group. For some reason, they almost have the mentality of a dog that has been often kicked at this point. When something goes wrong, things tend to snowball on the line. This is also the second week in a row that they came out and badly missed assignments on the first drive while looking sloppy and unmotivated. It was also the second week in a row that they seemed to settle in and begin to push around a defensive front in the run game when they ran downhill at them. Kenny Bigelow and Nasir Player each had occasions where they lined up and simply beat the man across from them. While that is an issue, against good defensive players, that will happen time to time. However, for the most part, through two games the O Line seems to be struggling more with issues stemming from the neck up. That should actually be encouraging to Vol fans. Why would the line struggling with mental mistakes make Vol fans feel better, especially against ETSU and UTEP? Simple. Those mistakes are fixable, in season, with good coaching. The returning starters on the Vol offensive line are all playing new positions in 2018, with Offensive Line Coach Will Friend insisting on the Vols going through spring and fall camp using multiple combinations of lineman in multiple positions, most are learning multiple new spots. Then, add in new arrivals from the JUCO ranks (Jahmir Johnson), Grad Transfers (Kennedy), and freshman arrivals (Jerome Carvin, Jerrious Abercrombie), all brand new to the program and you have another facet to adjust to. Other players in the rotation, like Chance Hall and K’Rojhn Calbert, missed all last season with injuries and now must learn new positions as they get back into shape and adjust to a new staff. If that wasn’t enough, the entire unit is also learning a new scheme on top of everything else. That is an enormous amount of change within a position group that is universally understood to thrive as they get consistency from playing in the same places and with the same players. Most of the guys in this unit are still learning what their individual jobs are with their new spots, forget learning how they play with the other guys around them. Look for the offensive line to take a step forward in about week four, after a month of game prep, games played, and game tape reviewed, the position responsibilities are likely to sink in, and it will look like a light switch flips for the line when it happens. Look for another step forward in week eight or nine as, after another month, these Vols begin to understand where they fit within the scheme of the line as a whole while developing chemistry and trust with the guys playing around them. UTEP is another live fire game for the Vols, and even if it isn’t a top tier opponent, it is meaningful snaps and experience for the Tennessee line to play together. Watch for the Vols understanding of assignments, fundamental play, and motivation in this one. These neck up issues should improve again this week, and if that is the case, it continues to bode well for the Vols. Aside from the offensive line, watching the development of Tennessee’s young corners should be something meaningful to watch against the Miners. The ETSU receiving corps is simply not up to the level of talent that the Vols will face in SEC play, not even close. That is fine for the Bucs as an FCS program, but it meant that only so much can be gleaned from the performance of the Volunteer defensive backs across from them. That said, the fundamentals from corners Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor looked much better playing the Bucs. Thompson in particular had an impressive interception and nearly returned it for a touchdown. Thompson’s personality as a corner started to come out a bit as he played against ETSU. He is an aggressive, young corner. Opponents this season are going to be able to take advantage of his youth and aggressive attitude at times this season (Randy Sanders made an excellent call of a slant and go to go after Thompson that got him beat, but the pass was a step too long.), but you can live with a young player making mistakes when he is trying to make a play. You can happily live with it if he succeeds in making those plays like he did on Saturday. That in your face, scrappy, and a little fearless attitude that Thompson showed, and we have seen at times from Taylor, looks to be something Pruitt wants in corners and his defenders as a whole. UTEP may not have much in the way of firepower, but their receivers are speedy, which will offer a different challenge. Observing the technique and coverage of the corners will be worthwhile in this match up. Another specific position to watch in the contest against the Miners will be the Nose Tackle spot when the Vols are in their 3-4 front. Emmit Gooden had a good game against the Bucs and showed the ability to command the double team that is paramount for the success of a 3-4 defense. Furthermore, he then showed the ability to split that double team and make tackles in the backfield. Now, this was against an FCS program, but Shy Tuttle has struggled to consistently command a double team, to stuff it, and to get off the blocks. Tuttle is playing hard and making plays, but he never came to Tennessee to be a 3-4 nose tackle. If Gooden could develop into the Nose that the Vols’ new scheme demands, it would free Tuttle up to slide out to a 3-4 end position which suits his skill set and style of play far more. This move would help Tennessee against the run and should also help the Vols generate more pass rush going forward into the season. Pruitt praised Gooden after his performance on Saturday, while also challenging the JUCO arrival, saying Gooden was a good player when his head was where it needed to be. Shy Tuttle is a talented player for Tennessee, and one that plays hard. He makes plays on the field and is undoubtedly one of the best eleven defenders the Vols have access too. He is doing that while playing out of position, and not commanding the double team that makes Pruitt’s 3-4 defense go. If Gooden can command that double team regularly as well as handle it, it allows Tennessee to see the lynchpin of the defense be addressed, while getting more out of a very good player. Who plays at the Nose and how they command and handle blocks is worth keeping an eye on when the Vols play the Miners Saturday. Finally, these are games for Jeremy Pruitt and his staff to get to know their players, to see who is prepared, who can take advantage of an opportunity, and to see exactly what they have on this roster. The best examples of this from the ETSU game could be Bryce Thompson, discussed earlier, and Jeremy Banks. The freshman from Cordova, Tennessee was given an opportunity to come in for the Vols after the lightning delay when it was clear that Pruitt wanted to make a statement with an attitude type drive for the offensive line. Banks was given a chance, and he immediately showed Pruitt and all of Vol Nation what roll he can fill in the toolbox of backs available to Tennessee. Jeremy Banks is a hammer. A big, strong, hateful-running hammer, and it was just the tool the Vols needed at the time. Banks showed that he can be the straight ahead, downhill, power back that Pruitt is looking for in his offense, but Banks showed something else. He showed that even as a freshman sitting fourth on the depth chart, he was prepared if called on. He was mentally ready to play and seize on any opportunity presented. Ty Chandler was still out going through the concussion protocol, the Vols likely feeling it was safe to rest him another week against the Bucs, and the door opened for Banks. Two touchdowns and some bruising running later, banks all but took that door off the hinges on the way through. Chandler is likely to be held out again on Saturday, expected to be unnecessary for the Vols to handle the Miners, and allowed to keep healing up in hopes of having him available and fresh against Florida. That means Banks should expect some opportunities against UTEP after a breakout performance, as should the breakout performer from week one, Tim Jordan. How the workload is split up at running back will be interesting on Saturday, with the Vols having multiple productive backs, but the players that take hold of opportunities and make the most of them should be telling as well. While the talent disparity between the Vols and the Bucs and Miners is dramatic, these are games where fans can find relevant things to watch and take away. These are still meaningful game snaps for a team that not only has young players, but players that are almost all learning new positions, expectations, and schemes. These are valuable snaps, and opportunities to watch Tennessee progress and grow mentally in the season. Keep an eye on personnel and who is on the field with who against the Miners, who takes advantage of opportunities, and how much Jauan Jennings is on the field. Pruitt addressed Jennings by name this week during media availability, and it might be that he is finally put on the field more and with the starters. Again, one more meaningful thing to observe in games that all inevitably lead to Florida week.

As most are aware, Tennessee is in need of dynamic players that have the ability to affect the game in multiple facets. But as we have seen in this 2019 cycle, Jeremy Pruitt, is going after the players that fit his scheme. It does not matter if they are in-state or across the country. September 1st opened the contact period for coaches to be able to communicate with Juniors and in this case 2020 prospects. It appears that Pruitt and staff are already highly prioritizing multiple 2020 in-state prospects that they believe will fit their mold and better Tennessee football. The number one player in the state for 2020 is four-star athlete, Reggie Grimes II of Mount Juliet. Tennessee’s new coaching staff quickly re-extended an offer to Grimes on January 26th and has continued to be in his ear since. Though, Grimes is less than three hours from Knoxville, Tennessee is going to have their work cut out for his services. Grimes tells me that he is hearing the most from Florida, Clemson, Tennessee and Alabama. “It has changed a lot since the first and now it seems as if a dozen coaches contact me every hour.” Grimes says about the new contact that he has received since September 1st. Grimes, hears from the main defensive minds at Tennessee in Coach (Kevin) Sherrer and Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt the most. Tennessee will receive a visit from Grimes this weekend for the ETSU game. This will be at least the second time he has visited Tennessee since the new staff has taken over. Grimes was last on campus in April. Grimes is rated as the number one player in the state of Tennessee for 2020 and the number thirty-four overall prospect for the class per 247 rankings. He is listed as a weak side defensive end per 247 and as an athlete per rivals. Grimes, will likely have the option on which side of the ball he wants to play on at the college. If he chooses to play on the offensive side of the ball, it is likely that he would play running back as he has been a lethal offensive weapon for Mount Juliet out of the backfield. If he decides to play on the defensive side of the ball, he will likely play a defensive end/ outside linebacker hybrid. Grimes has the ability to be the next big college defensive hybrid player. He has a skill set that relates to that of former first round pick, Leonard Floyd. His size coupled with his speed allow him to contain whatever side of the field he is lined up on and also be effective in pass defense. Grimes size and speed will translate smoothly to the next level regardless of which position he decides to play but according to the standout athlete, he does not have any idea of where he will play yet. Grimes, has plenty of time to make that decision but he is not alone in making it or his college decision . He has the advantage of having insight from his dad a former Alabama standout on the defensive line. Grimes hears a lot about being an Alabama legacy player but he is using his dad’s knowledge and experience in a different way as he continues to keep his recruiting options open. Grimes said, “my dad has helped guide me through the recruiting experience by telling what I need to look at school wise and position wise to help me succeed.” Tennessee, has their work cut out for them but they are making a big step in getting Grimes to campus for the second time in five months for the ETSU game this upcoming weekend, as they continue to grow a relationship with the state’s top player.

Tennessee is set to kickoff Jeremy Pruitt’s inaugural season in one week at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte against a prolific West Virginia team. West Virginia has been highly touted this off-season and is poised to have one of the most versatile and fast paced offenses in the country this upcoming season, with their quarterback Will Grier even picking up some early Heisman hype. So obviously, the Volunteer Defense is going to have their hands full attempting to slow down this fast-paced offense. One advantage that Tennessee will hope to be able to capitalize upon is their ability to pound the ball offensively and control the tempo by keeping West Virginia’s offense on the sideline. Offensively, Tennessee will use a running back by committee attack to establish this tactic against the Mountaineers. There is not a John Kelly or Alvin Kamara in the backfield this season for the Vols but that does not mean that they cannot find consistent production on the ground. Although, Tennessee does not have a true star in the back field at this point and time, does not mean that it is short of talent. The Volunteers have several explosive ball carriers in their employ that all have some serious potential and all who will be looking to make their mark early on in this new offense. We will start this preview with the most renown name in the back-field for Tennessee, Sophomore, Ty Chandler. Chandler was one of the top running backs in the country coming out of high school and showed glimpses of that talent last season with the minimal touches he received behind John Kelly. Chandler had 305 rushing yards on 71 attempts averaging just over four yards per carry and adding two touchdowns on the ground. Chandler’s best game came against Kentucky where he broke the century mark at 120 yards on 22 carries and both of his touchdowns. Chandler will look to stamp his name in this new offensive system quickly and live up to the billing that he received coming out of high school, as he should see an increase in touches his sophomore season. The next big name in the backfield is Michigan State graduate transfer Madre London. London comes from a Big Ten, run heavy offense. He played in 26 games for the Spartans in three years, with his freshmen year being the most productive before getting buried on the depth chart after his freshmen season. London will give the Volunteers a seasoned back, who has carried the ball in high pressure situations. London, will make most of his day carrying the ball In between the tackles and making opposing defenders pay but do not discredit his ability once he gets to the second level. A name that Volunteer fans may get familiar with very quickly is Tim Jordan. Jordan is a bowling ball type back, that seems to be acclimating to the new offensive system very well. Jordan has flown under the radar most of his time in Knoxville but he seems poised to make some noise in the Volunteers backfield, after a very solid off-season showing for the new staff. The last Running back, we will touch on is the future of the Tennessee backfield, Memphis native, Jeremy Banks. Pruitt and staff were able to quickly come in and establish, Banks, as a priority and secure his commitment on signing day. It is easy to see why Banks became a priority for the new coaching staff as he is a big bodied back who can pound it in between the tackles, but is also able to show off his agility time and time again once he reaches the second level. Banks excelled in high school by popping long runs right through the heart of the defense. Over the coming years, Tennessee fans can look forward to him becoming a consistent back, that churns out SEC caliber production, game in and game out. I f the Volunteers, plan to compete successfully this season, they will depend upon this stable of backs to become a cohesive unit and quickly churn out SEC caliber production. If they can do so, then Tennessee will be able to control the tempo and give their defense, quality periods of rest throughout the game likely enabling them to remain in contention deep into ball games.

A lot of great Tennessee fans will be attending the Tennessee vs West Virginia game in Charlotte, NC. So a lot of you may be asking what to do while you are there? Here is a quick list of things going on this weekend in Charlotte. Midwood Smokehouse An amazing BBQ spot all the locals and visitors rave about. Not only do they have a delicious North Carolina BBQ, they also have things like an amazing Texas Brisket, perfectly cooked Salmon, Burnt Ends to die for, and my personal favorite Homemade Banana Pudding. If we had one of these back in Knoxville it would be hard to break me away from this place. If you're looking for a great bite to eat before or after the game there is no better place. You will regret if you don't stop by Midwood Smokehouse and try some of their perfected BBQ creations. http://midwoodsmokehouse.com/menus/ Brad Paisley and Kane Brown Kickoff Concert Whats Southern Football tradition without a little tailgating and drinking. Country Legend Brad Paisley and East Tennessee local (Chattanooga, TN) Kane Brown will be kicking off the weekend right with a football celebration throw down. There will be a mix between Tennessee and West Virginia fans all around and this concert could be a great chance to make friends to tailgate with on the next day. D.D. Peckers Normally I wouldn't give two food options but this place is too good not to try. Some of the best wings this side of the Mississippi, D.D. Peckers offers amazing drink prices, a patio view, and a great place to enjoy some old school pub food. As a wing self proclaimed connoisseur, I find myself often very disappointed with wings when I get them places. At D.D. Peckers you won't have that issue. It won't leave you disappointed. A darker vibe bar shouldn't be mistaken for the amazing experience you will have at this Carolina hot spot. It is highly regarded as the best wing/bar spot in town. So for me this is a CAN'T miss. Hattie's Tap & Tavern The hardest thing about looking for something in a new city is finding the dive bars and hidden gems. This is a perfect spot to grab a drink. If dive bar's arn't your thing then this won't be your place, but if you're looking for a place to meet some locals while there for the weekend to submerge yourself in the culture a bit more, this is a must hit spot... But shhhh... don't tell anyone about it. Sugar Creek Brewing The big talk these days is Micro-brews. And I'll let their website speak for itself: "Sugar Creek Brewing Company is bringing Belgian-inspired beer to the Carolinas and beyond. The Sugar Creek Brewing philosophy combines the watchful eye of a Trappist Monk with the technical precision of a nuclear engineer to craft fresh, full-flavored beers that are immensely satisfying and intensely drinkable. Using unique combinations of aromatic yeast strains, domestic and imported hops and award-winning malt varieties, Sugar Creek infuses traditional recipes with modern tastes and techniques to create beer that nourishes both mind and body. " My personal favorite was the Sugar Creek Raspberry White Ale. If you want to take your friends and family to a place they will be talking about for years to come, this is that place. The game changer. Things to Know Make sure you know where you are parking. Belk College Kickoff is doing a thing with Spot Hero to ensure everyone can find a place to park. There are over 30,000 parking spots and between that and the local Transit System finding parking and your way around should be no problem at all. If none of the places we listed "POP" to you, checkout Facebook's latest App: Local. It gives you the chance to look up local event's going on in the area that may be more your style. Make sure to stay up to date with the stadium policies. They may not be the same as Neyland or other stadiums you are used too. Most importantly don't drink and drive. Uber is always the safer and cheaper option, and with it being a holiday weekend, plus college football kickoff, add in our wild and crazy fan base it's safe to say this is a weekend that you will get caught if you drink and drive. Everyone play smart, play safe, and have a good time. This will be one of the best games of the season, and after we win it could be one of the best weekends of your life. Let's bring home the W. Go Vols! - Michael Cameron Vandergriff

There are just two days remaining until Tennessee takes the field in Charlotte, NC to square off against the Mountaineers of West Virginia and the biggest concern for Tennessee fans is the defensive backfield. All summer we’ve heard how the Vol secondary underperformed in the 2017 season. What is it about this season, if anything, that will be different? West Virginia, led by Heisman hopeful quarterback Will Grier, is the ultimate test for a secondary with questions to answer. The Volunteers will have a perfect platform in the season opener to show whether any improvement has been made in the off season. Grier is touted as one of, if not the best quarterback in the country. His favorite weapon? 6’4” 209lb David Sills - a snag-happy All-American wideout who returned for his senior year to team up with Grier. It’s to be expected however, as we all know, that BIG 12 teams produce well on the offensive side of the ball, and typically have inferior defenses. That’s not the case in the SEC. The SEC is known for defensive domination and top defensive recruits from all over the country flock to the SEC to showcase their skills. For Tennessee, some of those recruits have yet to live up to their hype. It will be interesting to see if new head coach Jeremy Pruitt, a guy known for his ability to produce top defenses nationally and lockdown defensive backs in particular, has waved his magical defensive wand over the city of Knoxville. Meet The Unit: Safeties: Pruitt’s defensive base package features two safeties. The starters, according to a recently released two-deep depth chart, will be Nigel Warrior (6’0”, 188 lbs, JR, Duluth, GA) and Micah Abernathy (6’0”, 195 lbs, SR, Atlanta, GA). Both Warrior and Abernathy had ample playing time last year and their experience will be vital to the success of the secondary. Warrior, specifically has an opportunity to step up and be the unit leader. He’s a lightning quick, hard-hitting, maniac on the field and as his time to enter the NFL draft draws near, he’ll be out to prove he can play at the next level. Abernathy has had his ups and downs in his time at Tennessee. He’s had some great performances, but he’s also been burned a time or two. However, the fact that he’s listed as the starter on Pruitt’s depth chart (without an OR next to his name) speaks to the very real possibility that Pruitt’s tutelage has elevated his game. Where’s TK? I’m sure you’re asking. He’s listed as third string on the depth chart behind Warrior and Shawn Shamburger. Todd Kelly Jr. (5’11”, 200 lbs, R-SR, Knoxville, TN) is not only a non-starter, but he’s been passed up by two underclassmen. This is a bit surprising but is likely due to a “fit” problem. We’ve all seen how Kelly can play, and if Warrior and Shamburger have surpassed him on the depth chart, it means one of two things. Either Kelly’s game has fallen off or Warrior and Shamburger have stepped up in a big way. A couple of young guys round out the safeties group in Theo Jackson (6’2”, 193 lbs, SO.) and true freshman Trevon Flowers (5’11”, 184 lbs). Both of these guys are tremendous athletes and will look to carve out as much playing time as they can throughout the season, but look for them to show themselves in the first game as Dana Holgorsen’s spread offense is likely to air the ball out often. Now who expected Tennessee to be six men deep at the safety position? Not a lot of folks. It’s just as deep at corner! We all heard the stories coming out of spring and summer of Pruitt moving people around. Well, it looks like it may pay dividends as there are a few names on the corners’ chart we didn’t expect to see. Cornerbacks: It was pretty obvious that Baylen Buchanan (5’11”, 193 lbs, JR) would emerge as one of the starting corners. He’s got time on the field and he’s shown a decent amount of potential in his performances. What wasn’t as obvious was that true freshman Alontae Taylor (6’0”, 186 lbs) would emerge as the starter on the opposite side of the field. Taylor was originally recruited as a wide receiver, but shortly after one of Pruitt’s infamous personnel changes, it was apparent that Taylor was destined for ball-hawk glory. The guy is just a natural athlete who is raw, and extremely coachable. This was evident in a recent video that was circulating on social media of Taylor snagging balls out of the air like a man possessed. This bodes extremely well for the secondary. Taylor could very well be the piece to this puzzle that Pruitt has been looking for since he stepped on campus. Another freshman will be backing Taylor up in Bryce Thompson (5’11”, 180 lbs). What Thompson lacks in size he makes up for in speed and athleticism. He may not lay any life-threatening licks on anyone this season, but his wheels will be in ample supply when Taylor needs to hit the water bottle. The guy who’s expected to spell Taylor and Thompson is none other than former tailback up and comer Carlin Fils-aime (5’11”, 180 lbs, JR). You read that right. Yet another position swap and Pruitt has added even more speed to the DB depth chart. Junior Marquill Osborne (5’11”, 190 lbs) and RS senior D.J. Henderson (5’11”, 179 lbs) will be spelling Buchanan as well, completing the 6 man corner crew. All of these guys have the athleticism to play on Sundays and as many are aware, under the previous regime there wasn’t enough player development. It’s going to be intriguing to see if Jeremy Pruitt’s ability to produce quality defensive backs is all it’s cut out to be. We are going to find out right out of the gate on Saturday in Charlotte. Perhaps one of the biggest achievements Pruitt’s staff has already accomplished, is that all 12 guys in the backfield are healthy and slated as available to play in game number one; a feat former coach Butch Jones couldn’t achieve in any of his five seasons with the Volunteers.

It is only forty-eight hours until it is officially football time in Tennessee again! Vol fans are feeling anticipation for the matchup against West Virginia ramp up as the 2018 Season Opener looms ever closer. Reports are beginning to come in that Charlotte is beginning to turn that very distinctive shade of Orange ahead of Saturday’s contest. With kickoff creeping up, we here at The All Vol Call In Show decided it was time to look at the Mountaineers, offer some keys to the game, and a prediction of the outcome. The Mountaineers may play in the pass-happy, defense-optional Big XII, but their offense is legitimately good. West Virginia will trot out the Pre-Season First Team All-American Quarterback according to multiple outlets. Will Grier is a player that Vol fans are familiar with after his stint at Florida, however, Grier has made a true name for himself after leaving Gainesville. Once he arrived in Morgantown and was named the starting quarterback for the Mountaineers, Grier has been the focal point of Dana Holgorsen’s offense, from an impressive debut in a loss last season against a stout Virginia Tech defense, to posting gaudy numbers, even for the Big XII, right up until he was injured. West Virginia has some serious play makers on their offense, but this team goes as Will Grier goes. With Grier on the field, this offense can put up numbers as impressive as any team in America, without him, the Mountaineers saw the wheels come off their season once he went down. Grier excels at throwing the deep ball, and he has the receivers to go get them. While West Virginia is going to have plenty of plays designed to get the ball out of Grier’s hand quickly on short routes, he is at his best when he can take a deep drop and fire the ball long down field. The offense thrives on this big play potential thanks to Grier and his supporting cast. West Virginia has a compelling case for having the best Wide Receivers’ room in the country, headlined by Kenny Sills. Sills has, like Grier, been named Pre-Season First Team All-American by several outlets. All the Mountaineer receivers are at least above average at tracking and reeling in the deep shots that Grier launches, but Sills is an excellent deep ball receiver. Sills is also capable of taking a six-yard slant and turning it into a sixty-yard touchdown, as are most of these Mountaineer receivers. There is a strong chance that the Mountaineers end this season with at least three different one thousand-yard receivers, with chunk contributions coming from guys further down the depth chart. This talented, experienced group for West Virginia will be matching up against what many feel is Tennessee’s most concerning group, their corners. The Vols could start this game with a pair of true freshman corners, with Alontae Taylor looking to have a starting spot locked down, and Bryce Thompson expected to at least see significant snaps. No matter how talented the Volunteer newcomers are, this is an extraordinarily tough assignment to draw for your first ever college game. Expect Grier and Company to go after the young corners early and often, provided they get the time to do so. The guys getting that time for Grier are an interesting unit. The Mountaineers have one of the better pairs of Offensive Tackles in the country, and they look to be set when it comes to pass protection for Grier on the edges. However, the Mountaineers will be breaking in new starters on the interior of the line. How the inside of the West Virginia line holds up could be something to watch. The tackles will anchor this group, but between them is a major unknown for the team from Morgantown. If they can protect Grier and block adequately in the run game, this offense looks even more fearsome, however, should they falter as they did at times last season, the run game could suffer. Expect to see Tennessee attack the interior of this offensive line with Daniel Bituli and Darrin Kirkland as blitzers early and often. If these players struggle and Shy Tuttle can command a double team as the Nose Tackle in the Vols’ three down lineman sets, there will be lanes for the linebackers to blitz through to get pressure in Grier’s face quickly. When the Volunteers have the ball, things look more encouraging. Much more encouraging in fact. There is no real polite way to say this, but the West Virginia defense was awful last season, and they were pretty awful at everything. Then they lost one of their best players and five other starters off that unit. Playing against some of the excellent offenses in the Big XII didn’t help the Mountaineer defense, but they were lit up in a big way even by some terrible teams, ending up in a shootout with Kansas, for example. The Mountaineers run a base 3-3-5 defense, essentially giving up an additional defensive lineman and replacing him with another Strong Safety. This helps in the pass-happy Big XII and makes for an unusual defense to prepare for. The Mountaineers also have a unique target body type for many of their players, with defensive lineman needing to hold up well against the run, and needing more size, but also expected to provide much of the pressure on passing downs and needing speed. The scheme is also inherently slightly less effective against the run than it is against the pass due to less players in the box and the smaller average size of players on the field. That size mismatch is something that the Vols are going to look to exploit on a defense that the Vols should expect to put up good numbers against. Three Keys to the Game #1 The Volunteer Offensive Line This is an undersized West Virginia defense overall, one that will sacrifice a linebacker/lineman for an additional safety, and that struggled mightily to even slow the run down last season. Unlike Tennessee, who brought in a new coach and coaching staff, one being one of the most respected defensive minds in America, changed players to more natural positions, installed a new defensive scheme, and added several instant impact recruits to the defensive side of the ball, the Mountaineers stood pat with their defense. There are plenty of reasons to expect the Vols to be much, much better on defense, and everything points to a West Virginia unit that could actually be worse than last season. The Volunteers should be able to run the ball. In fact, the Vols should be able to impose their will and bully this West Virginia front. This is the best a Tennessee Offensive Line has looked entering a season in years. The big guys up front are just that, big, and strong, and much better coached than anything Tennessee has trotted out in recent years. If the Vol line can dominate and push West Virginia around, which they should be expected to do, the Vols can run the ball and control the clock. For Tennessee to have a shot to win the game, that must happen. #2 Pressure on Will Grier If the Volunteers can pressure, hit, and sack Will Grier, make him uncomfortable, they can win. If they can’t generate pressure on Grier, he and his receivers will pick Tennessee’s young corners apart and it will get ugly, fast. This is black and white. Grier’s numbers drop off a cliff if he is pressured, and while the Mountaineers have a solid ground game, it is dependent on success throwing the ball. This team goes as Will Grier goes. Jeremy Pruitt will be calling his defense this season, and he hangs his hat on defensive back play and manufacturing pressure from all over on opposing quarterbacks. Pruitt will have been preaching this to his players from the first day of West Virginia prep. The load here falls to Kongbo, Taylor, and newcomer Jordan Allen to generate pressure without bringing more than four against the Mountaineer O Line. Expect to see blitzes up the middle by Bituli, Kirkland, Sapp, and even Nigel Warrior or the outside linebackers looping in to attack the interior of the West Virginia line. This is the single most important key in the entire matchup. #3 Young Corners vs All-American Receivers Tennessee will have new starters at all the Cornerback spots whether they play their true freshman or not. They are almost certain to play at least two true freshman in their top three corners. These West Virginia receivers are a brutal assignment for any group of DB’s in the country, but especially for guys in their first collegiate start. Pruitt is known for his excellence in coaching defensive backs, and everything coming out of camp has been that Alontae Taylor looks the part of a number one corner from his first day in Knoxville. Still, West Virginia is going to get theirs, even if the young guys play well. That is just who the Mountaineers are. The corners must have short memories, learn from their mistakes quickly, and stay in the game. That is a lot to ask of guys in their first game in college. The good news for the Corners is Tennessee is loaded at Safety, and a big hit or two from Nigel Warrior or Todd Kelly could change the complexion of this game in a big way if the Mountaineer receivers start to hear footsteps. Also, see Key #2, because nothing will help these corners more than an effective pass rush. Prediction So, how does it all go down? When things are said and done on Saturday, who is leaving Charlotte with a win? After looking at a lot of tape, waffling back and forth, and looking at more tape, the Vols leave Bank of America Stadium 38-28 winners. West Virginia is going to get theirs. Grier and Sills are going to take advantage of young corners and cash some of their mistakes in for big plays and scores. However, West Virginia is not going to be able to overcome an awful defense. The Vols should be able to control the clock with a big, physical offensive line and multiple talented running backs, particularly Ty Chandler, who should have multiple long runs with his combination of strength and game breaking speed. That physicality will allow the Vols to make the Mountaineers commit more defenders to stop the run, which is when Tennessee takes advantage of Guarantano’s big arm, great receivers in Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings, and some below average corners from West Virginia. When the Vols throw, look for it to be on deep plays going after big chunks of yards. If the Vols can pressure Grier, which Jeremy Pruitt should be trusted to manufacture with his schemes and the pieces he has in place, the Mountaineers become one dimensional and predictable. That allows the Vols to control the clock while scoring and hide their biggest weakness. Football has a few universal truths. The team that runs the ball best and plays the best defense usually wins, especially in close games. The Vols should have the better day running the football, they should be the more balanced offense, and they should have the better defense. West Virginia makes it entertaining and puts up yards and points, but ultimately limiting Mountaineer possessions and well timed sacks give the Vols the edge.

As Tennessee prepares to take on a highly rated West Virginia football team this Saturday in Charlotte, we break down the deciding factors on what will give Tennessee the best outcome of this game. I’ll be giving my 5 reasons Tennessee will win the game 1. West Virginia defense While the vols didn’t have the best defense that volnation has seen last season, West Virginia’s may be equally as bad if not worse. Being in the BIG12, WVU fits the narrative of being an offensive heavy team. Out score your opponent and who cares about defense. Along with that, WVU is left with only 5 scholarship CBs after the injury bug bit them earlier in summer and fall camp. 2. Will Grier ranks near the bottom when pressured It’s obvious what Tennessee wants to do and that’s put pressure under Will Grier. He ranks 37th out of 40 draft eligible quarterbacks when being pressured. Forcing throws and making tons of mistakes is often overlooked by the media but is very prevalent with Grier. Tennessee’s defensive line is loaded with 4 and 5 star talent and if they can get to the backfield and pressure Grier that will be a recipe for success. 2. Dana holgersen below .500 vs power 5 with winning record. The title speaks for itself, Dana holgersen is an average at best coach. Being at WVU since 2011, Dana has recorded an 11-30 record vs power 5 teams with a winning record. Now I know Tennessee technically doesn’t have a winning record but it doesn’t change the narrative that holgersen isn’t a very good coach when facing a power 5 school. 4. Tennessee’s Talent rating is way higher than WVU Now I know recruiting rankings mean absolutely nothing unless they’re coached up. I also know that there are exceptions to every stat, but when breaking down Tennessee’s average recruit rating on the offensive side of the ball, their rating averages up to be a 92.75. When matching up with West Virginia’s defense, which is rated only a 84.27, it is staggering to see the difference in talent level between these two. Same goes for Tennessee’s defense vs WVU offense, which is very surprising in my opinion. Tennessee’s defense comes in at a 92.98 and West Virginia’s offense comes in at a 85.45. The last staff at Tennessee failed miserably with development but I believe the new staff will take advantage. 5. Total new team for the vols! As we head into opening week for the vols, we look to look past last season. Lots of media members are writing off the vols fairly quickly but I don’t think that should be the case. The vols return several guys from last year but more importantly they bring in several that didn’t play for Tennessee last season. Keller Chryst, madre London, Brandon Kennedy, Dominick wood Anderson, and jauan Jennings all join the vols on offense and didn’t play for them last season. Whether it be by transfer or returning from an injury, the vols bring in several guys that will contribute early. More importantly all these guys have college football experience. Chryst coming from Stanford, London coming from Michigan state, Kennedy coming from Alabama, Wood Anderson coming in as the #1 juco tight end in the country and Jennings returning from injury the vols are stocked with guys who know what it takes to play big boy ball! ~Laray jenkins

Members of the All Vol Call In Show staff were privileged to attend the game between Pearl Cohn and Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) on Friday night, August 24th on the MBA campus in Nashville, Tennessee. While the staff is always thrilled to watch a great football game, high school or college, this game was of particular interest to the staff as it pitted a pair of Volunteer commits squaring off head to head against one another. So, the show went on the road to bring a live look at these teams and interviews with the future Vols involved to our wonderful viewers and readers. Playing for the Pearl Cohn Firebirds was Defensive Tackle and Offensive Guard Elijah Simmons. At six-foot one inch and nearly three hundred forty pounds, Simmons is an absolutely massive human being. How there can be that much human body in one spot in less than 18 years boggles the mind. However, the Vols didn’t offer Simmons a scholarship simply for being big, he is plenty strong as well, and knows how to use that size and strength. Simmons commanded a double team when he lined up in the middle of the Firebird defense. There were a few occasions that due to play or scheme, MBA elected to block Simmons one on one. It wasn’t a coincidence that most of those plays ended up as a loss, though Simmons wasn’t always the one making the tackle. He was, however, the one driving the man across from him four or five yards into the backfield and blowing a play up. It is important to remember that as a Nose Tackle, particularly in a 3-4 scheme that Tennessee is recruiting Simmons to play in, a Nose Tackle can do his job perfectly for an entire game without making a single tackle. He is the lynchpin of the defense by commanding a double team each play, and then stoning or driving back the pair committed to him. He frees up lanes for the linebackers and the five-technique ends to make plays by occupying blockers, opening lanes, and blowing plays up by pushing lineman into the backfield. That skillset requires size, but more importantly, exceptional functional strength, which Simmons showed on multiple occasions against MBA. Simmons can play too high at times as he tires a bit, and his technique is a bit raw, but the exceptional physical gifts are evident when he plays. Simmons shows proper technique far more often than not, and though he can play high when tired, he answers another important question even in that critique. Whenever teams recruit a 3-4 Nose Tackle coming out of high school, the inevitable concern is almost always regarding weight or conditioning. It is difficult to play at that weight for all the snaps in a college football game, so the big tackles usually must monitor weight and conditioning closely, usually requiring a redshirt to get into college condition. Do not expect that to be the case for Elijah Simmons. Simmons played all but three to five snaps of the game on Friday, which he missed for cramps. Not all but three to five snaps on defense, three to five snaps of the entire game. Simmons played essentially the entire game at Defensive Tackle and Offensive Guard for the Firebirds, and made a dramatic impact at both positions. This evaluation will focus primarily on Simmons’ performance as a Nose Tackle, as that is where Tennessee is projecting him to play, however, should the Vols require this young man to slide into the rotation as an offensive guard, there is no doubt he would quickly become a favorite of the running backs to follow. Earlier there was a critique of Simmons playing a bit high when he was tired, it is important to note that this didn’t start to surface until late in the contest, and it was uncommon to see even then. At the next level, Simmons is only going to be asked to play one side of the ball, and the reduction in snaps he will be required to play will help him immensely. Simmons showed excellent conditioning, particularly for a player of his size, throughout the game. He contributed some of that to the running his coaches put him through, and some to being a member of the track and field team where he competes in events such as the javelin. That conditioning was what most surprised and impressed when watching Simmons, but the facet of his game that excites the most is his first step. A man of that size simply has no business coming out of his stance as quickly as Simmons does. His first step is frightening at times and allows him to do more than simply command and eat up a double team, it allows him to split that double team coming out of his stance, penetrate, and deliver a crushing hit to blow up and then stop a play in the backfield himself. Early in the game, Simmons did precisely that, beating the center and guard out of their stances, splitting the double team, and reaching the running back at almost the same time as the quarterback. Asked after the game what was going through his mind when he shot the gap, Simmons replied, “I just knew I had to make that play. I had to make the tackle and stop him for my team.” Simmons did more than make the play, he made it with authority, delivering a massive hit, then wrapping and dropping the ball carrier. That play reflected another comment Simmons made post game. When asked if he preferred offense or defense, Simmons flashed his big smile and replied emphatically with, “Defense.” He was posed the question of why he preferred defense, and the big man answered with the same smile, “Because you get to mess guys up.” Messing guys up is going to be exactly what Jeremy Pruitt and the Vols ask Elijah to do when he arrives in Knoxville. After watching him on Friday night, he should put a smile like his own on the faces of his coaches, as he appears to be more than up to the task. Consider this the author’s initial entry in an application to be President of the Elijah Simmons fan club, because this young man is going to shine when he arrives in Knoxville. If you haven’t already, take a look in our videos for live footage from the Pearl Cohn vs MBA game, as well as our post-game interview with Elijah Simmons. Also, take a look at the first half of this Recruiting Spotlight, where we featured the other player that brought the All Vol Call In Show to MBA that night, Montgomery Bell Academy Offensive Tackle Jackson Lampley.