nicksjuzunk
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Last season, the mods let us have a weekly thread to discuss the game specifically. Let's see if it sticks this year:
Things to watch:
1. QB Battle: A starting QB will be named tomorrow, but it likely will not be settled until at least 3 games into the season. It is rumored that Butch wants to play 3 QB's in this game. Who is going to show why they should be "the man?"
2. RB Battle: With the passing game likely being a bit shaky this year, we need a RB (or two) to step up, and take advantage of possibly the most talented OL in Tennessee history. Expect Neal and Lane to tear off large chunks of yardage against AP. It would not be surprising to see Tennessee rush for over 300 yards, unless Butch forces the QB's to see what they are made of once the game is in hand.
3. TN Defense: Much of the cast of the worst defense in Tennessee history remains intact, though the scheme is now much easier to grasp, and we don't have a troll as a DC. The defense will be much better this season, and they would love nothing more than to open the season with a shutout, but there are holes and our corners are greatly unproven.
4. Butch Jones Era: Everyone here has grown to love the legend of Butch Jones. Now, we see what he and his staff is like on game days. Expect him to be fiery, and having the time of his life during his first day in the saddle of his dream job.
5. Austin Peay: I almost feel sorry for AP as they walk into Neyland. With their home stadium having a capacity of 10,000, expect the team to be wide eyed as they walk into a house of 102,455... especially with 59 players coming from the state of TN, it wouldn't be a stretch to say half of their team probably dreamed of playing for TN as kids/teens. This is an opportunity for them to shine in Neyland, and they will be motivated, but don't expect too much of a fight from a team that went 2-9 last year playing a TN hungry to Rise to the Top sooner, rather than later.
Prediction: TN 45 AP 6
Things to watch:
1. QB Battle: A starting QB will be named tomorrow, but it likely will not be settled until at least 3 games into the season. It is rumored that Butch wants to play 3 QB's in this game. Who is going to show why they should be "the man?"
2. RB Battle: With the passing game likely being a bit shaky this year, we need a RB (or two) to step up, and take advantage of possibly the most talented OL in Tennessee history. Expect Neal and Lane to tear off large chunks of yardage against AP. It would not be surprising to see Tennessee rush for over 300 yards, unless Butch forces the QB's to see what they are made of once the game is in hand.
3. TN Defense: Much of the cast of the worst defense in Tennessee history remains intact, though the scheme is now much easier to grasp, and we don't have a troll as a DC. The defense will be much better this season, and they would love nothing more than to open the season with a shutout, but there are holes and our corners are greatly unproven.
4. Butch Jones Era: Everyone here has grown to love the legend of Butch Jones. Now, we see what he and his staff is like on game days. Expect him to be fiery, and having the time of his life during his first day in the saddle of his dream job.
5. Austin Peay: I almost feel sorry for AP as they walk into Neyland. With their home stadium having a capacity of 10,000, expect the team to be wide eyed as they walk into a house of 102,455... especially with 59 players coming from the state of TN, it wouldn't be a stretch to say half of their team probably dreamed of playing for TN as kids/teens. This is an opportunity for them to shine in Neyland, and they will be motivated, but don't expect too much of a fight from a team that went 2-9 last year playing a TN hungry to Rise to the Top sooner, rather than later.
Prediction: TN 45 AP 6
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