NEED TO KNOW
Push for the Playoff
Tennessee enters Saturday's game right in the middle of the College Football Playoff hunt, coming in at No. 5 for the second week in a row following a 66-24 thrashing of Missouri last week that saw the Big Orange set school records for points against an SEC opponent and total yards (724).
The Vols are seeking their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff and first trip to a New Year's Six bowl game since defeating Texas A&M 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl following the 2004 season.
Keepin' It 100
Rocky Top has become a go-to destination for wide receivers since head coach Josh Heupel arrived. Over the past two seasons, UT ranks third nationally with 18 individual 100-yard receiving performances. The Vols have had 10 individual 100-plus yard receiving games this season, which is tied for second nationally behind Ohio State's 11. Four different Tennessee pass catchers have eclipsed the 100-yard mark at least once this year (Jalin Hyatt – 5, Bru McCoy – 3, Cedric Tillman – 1, Squirrel White – 1).
Hooker to Hyatt
There hasn't been a more deadly and explosive combination in college football this season than quarterback Hendon Hooker and Hyatt. Both are having historic seasons for the Orange and White and have been racking up the honors along the way.
The tandem has been named to the semifinalist lists for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards. Hooker is also a finalist for the Unitas Golden Arm Award and a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award while Hyatt is in the running to win the Biletnikoff Award, awarded to the nation's top receiver.
With Hooker as the trigger man for the nation's No. 1 offense, Hyatt has emerged as his go-to target, leading the nation in receiving touchdowns (15). The junior from Irmo, South Carolina also ranks first in the FBS in 30-plus yard receiving plays (14), 40-plus yard receiving plays (10), 50-plus yard plays (6) and 60-plus yard receiving plays (4).
Defense Doing Its Part
While Tennessee's offense gets much of the attention, the Big Orange defense has been doing its fair share of the heavy lifting as well. In its second season under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, the Vols rank in the top 25 nationally in four different categories: rushing defense (11th - 104.1), redzone defense (20th - 76.3), turnovers gained (16th - 19) and third-down defense (25th - 32.9). UT also ranks third in the SEC with 64.0 tackles for loss and has held each of its last three opponents to seven or fewer second-half points, including shutting out Kentucky over the final two quarters in a 44-6 win on Oct. 29.
UT has been aggressive and opportunistic all year long, leading the SEC in turnovers forced (19) and turnover margin (+9). For comparison, the Vols had just 13 takeaways in 13 games last season.
