The Vols struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks last season. The game against Florida later this month will be their first SEC test against a quarterback with elite running abilities.
That’s why the game against Akron will be important. It’s basically going to be a live practice for Tennessee’s defense against a quarterback who can run.
The Vols should be able to work on some different things and experiment with ways to contain the quarterback.
That could be huge for UT because it’s incredibly difficult to prepare for a running quarterback. That’s not something that’s easy to replicate in practice because those plays are often the result of the offense getting off schedule and having to improvise. You never know where the play is going to go.
Tennessee badly needs a win against Florida this season. The Gators have a new head coach, they’ve already lost a game, and the matchup is in Knoxville. The Vols can’t lose this one.
This game against Akron comes at the perfect time and could prove to be the reason Tennessee beats Florida in 2022.