Wednesday, September 1, 2021 - Football Preview 2021 by UT Media Center

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YEARS IN NEYLAND FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021

GAME PREVIEW: PAGE 8 QUARTERBACK DECISION: PAGE 10 NEW COACHING STAFF: PAGE 13 Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee Volume 140 Issue 3

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

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Letter from the Sports Editor: Let’s keep college football on Saturday JOSH LANE Sports Editor

Finally, it’s “Football time in Tennessee.” These words echoed from the mouth of longtime Tennessee broadcaster John Ward for decades as the Volunteers took the field each Saturday afternoon. Except this season, the first time we get to say that legendary phrase is on a Thursday night. What? Look, I get it. A prime time, week night game is the perfect opportunity to showcase Tennessee’s new head coach Josh Heupel and the 100th year of Neyland Stadium. Against a bad Bowling Green team, the Vols’ fast-paced offense should flourish with the eyes of Vol fans and college football on them. From the perspective of a student that will be on campus all day before the game, a weekday matchup is just the worst. Parking is already a well-documented issue on the UT campus, but with Thursday now being a game day, those season-ticket holders who fork out lots of money for premium parking get first dibs. The students, like myself, are forced to move our cars to a building a mile and a half outside the main campus area by 3 p.m. if we need to stay on

campus for anything important, say class. Not to mention Neyland Stadium is returning to full capacity, which is great during the actual game, but pregame is a mess. Some 102,455 people will be on campus for the game, with a majority of them arriving hours early to tailgate, after strict limitations were placed on it a year ago due to the pandemic. And you know very well, a good portion of these fans won’t save their ﬁrst alcoholic beverage for the 8 p.m. kickoff. Navigating to my 4 p.m. class — which has not been moved online — will not be very fun in these conditions. Hopefully, it is not in one of the buildings that gets locked on game days — because that is going to

happen too. It’s obviously all about the money. That’s really the main reason why any decisions are made in sports these days. A prime time matchup with a new coach and a special stadium celebration will draw in the ad revenue and a lot of it. I would normally have no problem with that. College football can schedule a game whenever, if someone is willing to pay for it. But this decision seems especially egregious to me, a spit in the face to all the college students who already pay a ridiculous amount in tuition just to go to the university, not to mention a required, nearly $200 parking pass on top of that. Maybe I’m just an ungrateful student who should get over himself. Maybe I should just enjoy the fact that football is ﬁnally here and is essentially back to normal. These weeknight prime time games are hardly a new invention, after all. But, I’m not alone. In my talking to professors, other students and even co-workers here at the Beacon, the sentiment is shared. Let’s keep college football on Saturdays.

Letter from the Assistant Sports Editor: Just enjoy the ride ETHAN STONE Assistant Sports Editor

My ﬁrst experience with college football came in 2006. I guess it’s the year my father officially decided his son would like football, so we took the 13-hour trip from Dallas to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee to see the No. 8 Vols host No. 13 LSU in the sweltering heat. The Vols lost that game, 28-24. I didn’t have much of a rooting interest, mostly because I couldn’t hear myself think. As always, it was very loud in Neyland, and I had developed a splitting headache. Regardless, I was hooked on the game of football. Looking back on it, that game was sort of a turning point for both teams. More on that later. Fast-forward ﬁve months or so, my favorite professional team, the Chicago Bears, marched all the way to the Super Bowl only to fall short to a familiar face around campus — Peyton Manning. I’d fallen in love with the Bears, mostly because of the ‘ridiculous’ Devin Hester. I was just six at the time, so I couldn’t help but think of how electric one of his kick returns would have been under the lights at Neyland.

Obviously, that was just a fantasy. But, that’s enough about me. Here in Knoxville, football is revered as some sort of religion, and it isn’t hard to see why. The heyday of Tennessee football may be long gone, but the fans still cheer as if the Orange and White are natty-bound. That sort of loyalty, whether in sport or otherwise, is something to be admired. Tennessee and LSU have taken different paths since that game 15 years ago. The Vols are on their sixth head coach, and LSU is fresh off a national title run that featured perhaps the most dominant team the game has ever seen. It can be frustrating to view something as simple and ultimately pointless as sports through that lens, especially when considering Tennessee’s recent history.

Here’s my spin zone. The introduction of a championship game for college football has seen 12 different schools win the whole thing across 23 years. Tennessee, as hopefully you all know, is one of those schools. Don’t get me wrong, the frustrations of Tennessee fans as of late are justiﬁed. My last intention is for Vol nation to think my message to them is to “be grateful for what you have” in perhaps the lowest point in Tennessee football history. I can say this though — we should all be grateful we can come together and experience this wonderful game. COVID-19 taught us that things can get scary and lonely very quickly, and watching a ball go back and forth on our television screens kind of pales in comparison to that harsh reality. And still, Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers will head into Neyland Stadium on Sept. 2 with a clean slate and nothing but history to write ahead of them. Vols fans could be witnessing the beginning of something special, or maybe they’re not. Either way, let’s just enjoy the ride.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

Tennessee offense looking for success with new coaching staff and fresh roster ANDREW PETERS Staff Writer

Last season, Tennessee’s offense was not a high point for the team. Now under head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, along with a fresh roster, the offense is looking to make large strides. Joining Tennessee’s offense this season will be four, four-star recruits, along with a handful of transfers. Some notable transfers for the Vols include quarterbacks Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker. Milton transferred from Michigan, where he threw for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns last season. Hooker is coming off a season where he threw for 1,339 yards and nine touchdowns for Virginia Tech. The quarterback competition between Milton, Hooker and Harrison Bailey officially concluded Monday at Heupel’s weekly press conference, where Milton was named the starter for week one’s matchup against Bowling Green. “He’s practiced with the one group for the last seven to 10 days,” Coach Heupel stated. “We came out of our second scrim-

Tennessee wide receiver Josh Palmer (5) and Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren (87) celebrate a play during a game between Tennessee and Texas A&M in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. Brianna Paciorka/Pool via News Sentinel

mage believing he’d take some major steps forward in the shortest amount of time.” In the wide receiver position, the Vols lost some great talent in Josh Palmer and Brandon Johnson, but transfers Walker Merrill, Julian Nixon and Andison Coby should help fill the void. The Vols also are returning seven receivers. Senior Velus Jones Jr. is one of the returners for the Vols and should step into a much bigger role in his second season at Tennessee. Jones will most likely be a tar-

get for shorter passes, being more adept at getting yards after the catch. Redshirt freshman Jalin Hyatt is also due for a coming out party for the Vols. In his first season, Hyatt showed potential but didn’t get the amount of looks he probably hoped for. Hyatt has speed and potential, and it will be no surprise if he is the main target downfield this season. Hyatt was named as a starter on Monday. In the tight end position, the Vols have some experience with senior Princeton

Fant and junior Jacob Warren, but for the most part that position remains a wildcard for the Vols. Tennessee also lost senior Austin Pope, who was forced to retire from football because of medical issues. “That’s a position we’re going to have to continue to cultivate and grow as we go through the season,” Heupel said. “The depth part of it is something obviously that as we lost Austin (Pope), we placed more of an emphasis on developing those young guys.” Perhaps the biggest loss for Tennessee’s offense came at the running back position. The Vols lost its two leading rushers in Eric Gray and Ty Chandler. The next most experienced running back for the Vols is Jabari Small, who had just 26 carries last season. While the Vols have some unanswered questions in this area, they are at least deep, with six running backs on the roster — giving the team a chance to explore its options. The Vols offensive line is very promising this season. Cade Mays and Darnell Wright Jr. are the clear leaders, and younger players like Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and William Parker will all be looking to make an impact for the Vols.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Tennessee Athletics announces enhancements to gameday experience STAFF REPORT

enhancements rival that of rival SEC schools Alabama and Georgia, to name a few. Fireworks

Tennessee football’s 100th anniversary in Neyland Stadium is quickly approaching. After allowing only 25% capacity last year, Neyland is back to its full capacity of 102,455. Ahead of the season, several additions have been made to the stadium in order to enhance the fans’ game day experience. “As we enter the 100th season of Tennessee football at Neyland Stadium, we have some new gameday elements in store to welcome our fans back,” Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “We’ll continue to evaluate our gameday experience, seek fan feedback and identify opportunities to enhance the way things look, sound and feel while still honoring the traditions and pageantry that make fall Saturdays on Rocky Top so unique.” Here’s what’s in store for gamedays this season. LED Lights A new LED light system has been installed all throughout Neyland Stadium. This new light show will bring more life to the pregame as well as exciting in-game moments. These

The ﬁreworks show has been revamped to be bigger than ever before, as they will be projected from the skybox rooftops and the roof of the north endzone. Fireworks will go off during the pregame and every time the Vols score a touchdown or win a game. Truly’s Tailgate Truly’s Tailgate is a new amenity that will be placed outside of Gate 9, where fans can choose from a variety of foods and drinks until the third quarter. For any game starting at noon, Truly’s will open three hours before the game starts at 9 a.m. For any game that starts after noon, Truly’s will open four whole hours before kickoff. DJ “Sterl The Pearl” Former Tennessee quarterback Sterling Henton will have an electric return to Neyland as a DJ. He will be at Truly’s Tailgate prior to kickoff and on the sidelines the remainder of the game.

“I Will Give My All” This year instead of just watching Tennessee players slap the “I Will Give My All For Tennessee Today” sign, fans will get a chance to do the same. Identical signs have been installed in each section above the portals, giving fans a chance to participate in the tradition. Toyota Volunteer Village Pregame During every home game, fans with or without a game ticket will be able to participate in an energetic pregame with a concert series, food trucks and many more pregame activities. It will be held in the Volunteer Village, where fans will have a breathtaking view of Vol Walk and the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.

Neyland 100 In honor of Neyland’s 100th anniversary, fans are able to submit and share memories of their experiences in Neyland. This will be a part of a centennial milestone that will play on the video board during each home game.

Fans dressed in orange and white walk to Neyland Stadium on game day. File / The Daily Beacon

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

OPINION: Texas, Oklahoma may have revolutionized college sports MAX THOMPSON Columnist

near future, we may finally have a chance to change that system. Since that announcement, over a dozen other teams have been rumored to be reaching out to switch conferences.

Despite the immense popularity, the entire FBS system is fundamentally broken. Max Thompson COLUMNIST

Max Thompson/ Columnist Everyone loves college football, but everyone hates the current system that it operates in. Despite sounding contradictory, each of those statements are, in general, true. Growing up, so many football fans end up holding stronger ties to the amateur level of football than to the professional league. This is for a variety of reasons. First, the NFL is limited to only 32 teams, while there are, in some cases, over 32 college football teams in a single state. Even if we limit ourselves to the Division I, Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level schools, that still leaves us with over 120 colleges, which is almost four times as many teams to root for than the NFL. Despite this immense popularity, the entire FBS system is fundamentally broken. First, it relies on “amateurism” from athletes that are certainly no longer amateurs. But even worse, it is not nearly as competitive as it could be. In any given year, the total number of teams that actually have a shot to win a national title is almost always in the mid-single digits. I mean let’s be honest: Do you really think that Iowa State, North Carolina or Cincinnati have any shot at winning the national title this year? Probably not. That wouldn’t be an issue, except for the fact that those three teams are each ranked inside the top 10 nationally, this year. In its most general sense, college football is about the four or five teams competing for the title, the twenty or thirty teams competing to end the season ranked and the rest of the system competing to eventually join that tier. With the news of Oklahoma and Texas joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the

USC and UCLA going over to the Horseshoe in Ohio for a conference game? That could be possible soon. TCU and Baylor flying over to Oregon for a conference showdown? According to recent reports, that may happen as well. Through all these rumors, one nuclear explosion has the potential to detonate as well: The entire Power Five program could secede from the NCAA. That would mean that every single team in the Big 10, Big 12, PAC-12, SEC and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) would form their own “league.” In that situation, we could see matchups that used to be considered once-in-a-lifetime. However, there are some issues to that as well. College football, especially at the Power Five level, is typically used to help fund other sports programs within a university. While the football team of Ohio State may secede from the NCAA, their men’s water polo team would not. That would put every university in a tough spot, because the NCAA themselves could potentially ban any college that seceded from their program from competing. What happens then? Would every single sport at every single Power Five college then have to create their own “league?” This article started as an opinion on some of the major problems of college football, but it is now just a mess of conspiracy theories. That is the point. Oklahoma and Texas have sparked what could fundamentally change college football, and college sports, forever. Max Thompson is a junior majoring in business management and journalism and electronic media. He can be reached at sthomp92@vols.utk.edu.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Bowling Green chasing bounce-back season in 2021 ETHAN STONE Assistant Sports Editor

Football is almost back at the University of Tennessee. Talk has continuously surrounded the Vols, a team with a myriad of question marks entering another year on Rocky Top. Tennessee’s opponent also presents their fair share of questions. The Bowling Green State Falcons finished last season 0-5 and will play the 2021 season without the services of last year’s top performer, Quintin Morris — who went un-drafted to the Buffalo Bills. Third-year head coach Scot Loeffler leads a struggling program that is at the lowest it’s been in a long time. After all, Bowling Green is among the winningest schools in the MidAmerican Conference (MAC), second only to Miami (OH) in conference championships with nine. Loeffler is looking to take the Falcons to that level once more, with the goal of leading his team back to the MAC championship game for the first time since 2015. “It was a program that got a late start (last year),” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said in Monday’s weekly press conference. “There was some time off getting them back in the middle portion of the season. I think athletically you’ll see a different group this year than what you saw last year.” The MAC’s 2020 season started late over concerns regarding COVID-19. The Falcons will need to see improvement at quarterback if the dream of a 10th conference championship is to come to fruition. Senior Boston College transfer Matt McDonald is expected to fulfill that responsibility this season. McDonald is heading into his second year with the Falcons and to say he has struggled in his

I think athletically you’ll see a different group this year than what you saw last year.

JOSH HEUPEL VOLS HEAD COACH

role at the helm of the offense would be an understatement. McDonald has thrown for one touchdown and six interceptions in his five-game career with Bowling Green, also notching a rushing touchdown in a 62-24 loss against Kent State. Though McDonald lost his best receiving threat to the NFL this offseason, Bowling Green isn’t short on athletes. “Offensively, they’re heavy 12-personnel. They have some athletic tight ends they’re able to create match-ups with in the pass game,” Heupel said. “You have to do a great job of handling the misdirection and fit things extremely well.” While the Falcons’ offensive line has struggled, last year’s shortened schedule did them no favors. There were times where McDonald was running for his life against higher level MAC teams on the schedule such as Toledo and Kent State. Tennessee will be one of Bowling Green’s toughest opponents this year. The Falcons travel to Minnesota on Sept. 25 and host Murray State and South Alabama to round out the rest of their non-conference schedule. The Falcons begin their first week of conference play on Oct. 2. They host four games,

including their rivalry game against Akron on Oct. 9. Bowling Green will also host Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Ohio to close the season.

You have to do a great job of handling the misdirection and ﬁt things extremely well. JOSH HEUPEL VOLS HEAD COACH

In many regards, the Falcons have nowhere to go but up. Going winless in a season is unacceptable to any fan, even ones rooting for a school in a mid-major conference. Competing against a power-conference team such as Tennessee could put the Falcons back on the right track.

3-7

TENNESSEE VS. BOWLING GREEN

1-0

Vols leads series

3-7

Vols 2020 record

0-5

Falcons 2020 record

1,077

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

Tennessee looking to bowl a strike versus Bowling Green ETHAN STONE Asst. Sports Editor

Tennessee football will officially enter the Josh Heupel era soon. Sept. 2 offers a clean slate for the Vols, a team that has seen their share of misfortunes in the past few years. Tennessee’s opponent is in a similar situation. The Bowling Green State Falcons ﬁnished last season 0-5 and will play the 2021 season without the services of last year’s top performer Quintin Morris — who went un-drafted to the Buffalo Bills. Third-year head coach Scot Loeffler leads a struggling program that is at the lowest it’s been in a long time. After all, Bowling Green is among the winningest schools in the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC), second only to Miami (OH) in conference championships with nine. Loeffler is looking to take the Falcons to that level once more, with the goal of leading his team back to the MAC championship game for the ﬁrst time since 2015. “It was a program that got a late start (last year),” head coach Josh Heupel said in Monday’s weekly press conference. “There was some time off getting them back in the middle portion of the season. I think athletically you’ll see a different

There will be mistakes, and we’ll ﬁx them, but it’s time to go play.

JOSH HEUPEL VOLS HEAD COACH

group this year than what you saw last year.” The MAC started late last year over concerns regarding COVID-19. The Falcons will need to see improvement at quarterback if the dream of a 10th conference championship is to come to fruition. Matt McDonald is expected to fulfill that responsibility this season. McDonald is heading into his second year with the Falcons and to say he has struggled would be an understatement. McDonald has thrown for one touchdown and six interceptions in his five-game career with Bowling Green, also notching a rushing touchdown in a 62-24 loss against Kent State. Tennessee’s roster is finally starting to take form ahead of Thursday night’s week one match-up. Joe Milton III was announced as the starting quarterback on Monday, beating the likes of Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker

and sophomore Harrison Bailey. Defensively, the Vols will look to attack a struggling Falcons offensive line and a quarterback that has failed to produce despite the talent at tight end. Coach Heupel knows what it takes to move to the next step as a program, and it all starts against Bowling Green. “Good teams continue to grow, but its time for us to go play and see what we can do,” Heupel said. “ There will be mistakes, and we’ll ﬁx them, but its time to go play.”

2015

Matchup

Joe Milton passing yards

712

Matt McDonald passing yards

Vols touchdowns 2020

Falcons touchdowns 2020

Tennessee hosted Bowling Green on September 5, 2015. The ﬁnal score was 59- 30, with the Vols securing a win. All photos courtesy of UT Athletics

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Bowling Green chasing bounce-back season in 2021 ETHAN STONE Assistant Sports Editor

I think athletically you’ll see a different group this year than what you saw last year.

JOSH HEUPEL VOLS HEAD COACH

including their rivalry game against Akron on Oct. 9. Bowling Green will also host Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Ohio to close the season.

You have to do a great job of handling the misdirection and ﬁt things extremely well. JOSH HEUPEL VOLS HEAD COACH

3-7

TENNESSEE VS. BOWLING GREEN

1-0

Vols leads series

3-7

Vols 2020 record

0-5

Falcons 2020 record

1,077

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

Tennessee looking to bowl a strike versus Bowling Green ETHAN STONE Asst. Sports Editor

There will be mistakes, and we’ll ﬁx them, but it’s time to go play.

JOSH HEUPEL VOLS HEAD COACH

2015

Matchup

Joe Milton passing yards

712

Matt McDonald passing yards

Vols touchdowns 2020

Falcons touchdowns 2020

Tennessee hosted Bowling Green on September 5, 2015. The ﬁnal score was 59- 30, with the Vols securing a win. All photos courtesy of UT Athletics

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Milton named Vols’ starting quarterback ahead of season opener JOSH LANE Sports Editor Tennessee head football coach Josh Heupel finally announced what many have been speculating for weeks. In his final press conference with the local media before Thursday’s season opener, Heupel announced that Joe Milton III will be the Vols’ starting quarterback (QB) against Bowling Green. “I mentioned at the beginning of training camp that we thought we would have a starting quarterback by game week. Joe Milton will be our starting quarterback,” Heupel said. By the end of fall camp, the QB race had narrowed down to three players: Milton, Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker and sophomore Harrison Bailey. Brian Maurer was another name in the mix for most of the summer, but he entered the transfer portal on Aug. 19 after falling down the depth chart. In the end, it was Milton who pulled ahead. Milton has been the No. 1 guy in the race for some time now. He took first

team reps for most of summer practices, and according to Heupel, has run the starting offense in practice for the past seven to 10 days. “I think we came out of the second scrimmage and felt like (Milton) had taken some positive steps in a shorter amount of time, as far as time on task,” Heupel said. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound quarterback from Pahokee, Florida is a dualthreat for the Vols. He has a strong arm – one that his teammates raved about throughout camp – and is an accurate passer. Last season in five games for Michigan, Milton passed for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns, completing 56.7% of his passes. Besides being strong in the air, Milton is also extremely dangerous on the ground. For a quarterback of his size, Milton is very fast, drawing comparisons to former Auburn star and NFL quarterback Cam Newton. Milton ran for 109 yards and a touchdown for the Wolverines in 2020, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt and a long of 23. The tools are definitely there for Milton, but he will need to be consistent for

the Vols to have any success, something he was unable to do across his three years at Michigan. For Heupel, the decision to start Milton was based on more than just his pure physical abilities but a combination of his handle of the offense and the progress he made over the summer. “I don’t think it was just one thing,” Heupel said on the deciding factor between Milton and the rest of the group. “At the end of the day, felt like Joe, his grasp of our offense in the short amount of time, his growth in the middle portion of training camp, his acceleration in what we’re doing, some physical attributes and decision making led us to put the ball in his hands.” After Milton, Heupel would not commit to one backup between Hooker and Bailey. He said both backups handled the news in a “very positive way,” and he continued to praise their work ethic “I really do love that group,” Heupel said on the quarterbacks. “And they have continued to grow and push each other and be really positive with each other.” Heupel would not give a direct an-

swer when asked if he planned to use another quarterback beside Milton in Thursday’s opener. He reiterated the same sentiment he shared earlier in the spring on depth of position groups: “The strength of one position can never be one guy.” “Every game unfolds in a different situation. I’ve told those guys and I’ve sat here before, and it’s true,” Heupel said. “All these guys would like to start, and I anticipate Joe getting handed the ball first and playing his butt off.”

“I really do love that group, and they have continued to grow and push each other and be really positive with each other.” Josh Heupel Tennessee head football coach

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

This week’s key predictions: Bowling Green Each week, the two sports editors and football beat writers, Josh Lane and Ethan Stone, will give their predictions and keys to Tennessee’s weekly matchup. Let’s start the season off with Bowling Green.

KEYS TO THE GAME Josh Lane 1. Let the quarterback shine Joe Milton III needs his first start on Rocky Top to be a big one. Tennessee has suffered through long years of mediocrity at quarterback, and 2020 was one of the more egregious performances in recent memory. A Thursday night, prime time game against one of 2020’s statistically worst defense is the perfect time for a quarterback to assert himself. Heupel needs to let his quarterback steal the show. He has a new up-tempo offense and plenty of weapons, with speedsters like Velus Jones Jr. and Jalin Hyatt, at his disposal. A big day from the starter, even against a weak opponent, will go a long way to ease the nerves of the quarterback in the short term. 2. Establish the offensive line One of the biggest disappointments from last season was the vast underperformance of Tennessee’s offensive line. The unit boasted 24 total stars, but was essentially a liability from week three on. Led this year by well-respected coach Glen Elarbee, the offensive line needs to be a major contributor in the Vols’ opener. Against a Bowling Green defense that allowed 225 points in five games a year ago and has only one playmaker on the defensive side of the ball in all-MAC preseason selection — Karl Brooks — Tennessee’s line needs to allow its quarterback as much time as needed to let big plays develop. Tennessee should be able to not only lock down their starters on the line but come out with a good feel of the rotation after the top-five offensive linemen.

Ethan Stone 1. Learn from recent history Tennessee fans remember week one of 2019 all too well. Georgia State, 25-point underdog, waltzed right into Neyland Stadium and knocked off the Vols and second-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt like it was nothing. To many, it was the worst loss Tennessee has had in decades. Now, Tennessee is getting ready to host Bowling Green as 33-point favorites. The Vols once again feature a young head coach looking to turn past misfortunes into a winning product on the gridiron. First and foremost, Tennessee must learn from its past mistakes if it wants to take the next step that Pruitt could not. Tennessee, rebuilding or otherwise, is more talented than the Falcons. The key is not letting the players forget that. It seems simple, but ultimately, that’s why the game is played. 2. Showcase the high-scoring offense The adage ‘easier said than done’ applies in a big way to the Vols’ first game under head coach Josh Heupel. Tennessee fans have been promised an up-tempo offense that scores points and wears out opposing defenses. The Vols have to be able to showcase the ability that was promised against a bottom-tier defense. Bowling Green finished 2020 second to last in both points scored and points allowed. This is a team that the offense should be able to blitz — especially so if this high-scoring offense is as advertised. The defense will hold its own against a struggling Falcons offense, if the Vols can make them pay, a victory could be a matter of just showing up.

PREDICTIONS Josh Lane Vegas has this one going to Tennessee by a lot, and I agree 100%. Even if the Vols don’t play crisp football on every down — and they likely won’t, it’s the first game of the season — the Vols still lap Bowling Green on a pure talent level several times. The Vols can’t go into this one expecting to win without trying, a la Georgia State two years ago. But, I don’t think they will. If nothing else, Heupel has the mindset of this team in the right place ahead of week one. I think it will translate, and the Vols will open the Heupel Era with fireworks. Tennessee 42, Bowling Green 7

Ethan Stone It has been 668 days since Bowling Green State won a football game. The Falcons exist on a plane entirely separated from that of the Vols at their worst, and Tennessee has nowhere to go but up. It may be a sloppy performance, and that’s to be expected. However, the sheer size and athleticism of Tennessee should prevail in this instance. Bowling Green is just not built to compete with SEC talent. The more interesting question, in my opinion, is this: What will Tennessee’s mindset be on Thursday night? Will the Vols expect a win or will they demand it? If it’s the latter, good things may be in store for the Volunteer faithful. Tennessee 48, Bowling Green 10

Find full coverage of the UT vs. Bowling Green game at utdailybeacon.com.

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Defense looking for success under offensive-minded Heupel RILEY THOMAS Contributor

This season brings optimism for the resurgence of Tennessee’s offense with the hiring of Josh Heupel, but worry still remains on the defensive side of the ball. With Heupel at the helm, Tennessee will find ways to light up the scoreboard, but will it find a way to stop the opposing team from setting off their own fireworks? Under defensive-gurus Jeremy Pruitt and Derek Ansley, Tennessee ranked 65th out of 127 teams nationally, in total defense. However, under Heupel, UCF ranked 123rd out of 127 teams nationally, in total defense. Even with a middle of the pack defense, the Vols still had talent on that side of the ball. Most of that talent is now currently on other rosters in college football or in the NFL. In 2021, Tennessee has to replace leading tackler Henry To’oTo’o, its top two sack leaders Kivon Bennet and Deandre Johnson and cornerback Bryce Thompson. Depth is a major question mark

quarterback once in 2020. Newcomer Byron Young has potential to be a breakout player across the defensive line after standing out in spring practice. Aubrey Solomon, LaTrell Bumphus and Matthew Butler look to contribute more up front, as they each combined for only three sacks in 2020. Continuing with the front seven, the linebackers have the most question marks heading into the season. The losses of To’o To’o and Crouch in an already diminished linebacker room do not help. Both were top three in tackles along the defense in 2020. The addition of transfer Juwan Mitchell from Texas will help fill the void left by To’oTo’o and Crouch. Mitchell led the Longhorns with 63 tackles in 2020. There are still far more questions than Kentucky wide receiver Allen Dailey Jr. (89) is tackled by Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) and Tennessee defensive back Shawn Shamburger (12) during a game between Tennessee answers with the linebackers. Can Jeremy Banks continue to progress as a linebackand Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. er after changing positions from running Calvin Mattheis/Pool via News Sentinel back to linebacker last season? Where do heading into the season as the Vols lost back Key Lawrence. players like Morven Joseph and Aaron pieces within the front seven in defensive Heupel has always been an offensive Willis fit in the defense? linemen Emmit Gooden, Darel Middle- mastermind, however his defensive abilHeading into the season, linebackers ton, John Mincey and linebacker Quavari- ity has been lackluster. To help fix that have the most questions to answer before us Crouch, as well as promising defensive narrative, Heupel hired Tim Banks, who facing Bowling Green. served as the co-defensive coordinator The most experienced group on this and safeties coach for Penn State for the defense is the defensive backs. They are last five seasons. poised to have the most success and be the most reliable on this side of the ball. Last season, the Vols were rated 106th nationally in pass defense, allowing 263 Heupel can bring the yards per game, and they look to improve upon that rating this season. excitement the fans Losing Thompson — who led the have been craving on team in interceptions — to the NFL will offense, but can he be hurtful to the secondary, but there is carry that success over plenty of experience to fill the void he left. The corners are led by senior Alontae to the defense? Taylor, and at safety, they feature a trio RILEY THOMAS of players with at least a dozen starts in CONTRIBUTOR Theo Jackson, Trevon Flowers and Jaylen McCollough. Under Banks, Penn State ranked naWillie Martinez returns for a second tionally in multiple defensive categories stint with the Vols as the secondary coach. including 17th in total defense, 25th in Depth is a common theme with this depass defense and 13th in rush defense. fense, because after the four mentioned, Banks will have his hands full this up- there are only three remaining scholarcoming season trying to recreate the suc- ship players across the secondary. cess he had with Penn State. This secondary has the potential to imBeginning with the pass rush, which prove upon its efforts from last season ranked eighth best in the Southeastern and become the leaders of this defense. Conference (SEC) last season, UT’s deHeupel can bring the excitement the fensive line only tallied 20 total sacks. fans have been craving on offense, but can Tennessee lost half of its production from he carry that success over to the defense? last season with Bennett and Johnson, as The first test for the defense will be this they each racked up four and a half sacks. Thursday, as they open the season against Tyler Barron looks prime to make a Bowling Green under the lights of Neyjump in year two after only sacking the land Stadium.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon

Heupel adds experience to coaching staff NATE TOSADO Contributor The Tennessee football team has introduced several new faces to its coaching staff ahead of the 2021 season. The new staff includes awardwinning and experienced coaches that have seen success at the highest levels of collegiate football. While most of the coaches are entering their first season with Tennessee, they all share the same goal for the team: getting Volunteer football back on top. Head coach Among the many new positions filled on Tennessee’s coaching staff was the top job, as Josh Heupel took over in January as the Vols’ head football coach. Heupel is no stranger to college football, having firsthand experience as a player as well as a coach. He came to Tennessee after a three-season run with UCF, finishing with an impressive record of 28-8. Tennessee fans can rest easy knowing that Heupel has a proven track record that includes two conference championships with Oklahoma and UCF. “I am thrilled to be coming to Tennessee,” Heupel said. “I understand that Volunteer fans are hungry for a return to the top that they so richly deserve, and it is my goal and commitment to bring a championship back to Rocky Top.” Heupel — the 27th head coach in program history — will attempt to turn the Vols around after they went 3-7 last season. New assistants The Heupel era of Tennessee football has been marked by the complete overhaul of the team’s coaching staff. In total, seven coaches will make their Tennessee debut this season. The Vols will have new coaches over their wide receivers, offensive line, quarterbacks, running backs and linebackers, in addition to its offensive and defensive coordinators. Alex Golesh steps in as Tennessee’s new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Golesh brings 18 years of coaching experience and knowledge to Rocky Top. The former UCF co-offensive coordinator and tight end coach worked closely with Heupel in the past and was a major key to UCF’s successful offense. “I’m fired up to be here. It’s such a great opportunity for me and my family and to reunite with coach Heupel,” Golesh said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to come to Knoxville and coordinate the offense and get them going in the right direction. I couldn’t be more excited.” Joey Halzle’s coaching career goes hand in hand with Heupel’s, as this season will be their 13th together. Halzle is a five-time conference champion, winning two as a quarterback and three as a coach with Oklahoma. Glen Elarbee is widely regarded as one of the best O-line coaches in the nation. Elarbee brings 19 years of experience to Tennessee, including

two at UCF with Heupel (2018-2020). Rounding out the Vols’ offensive staff are wide receivers coach Kodi Burns and running backs coach Jerry Mack. Former Penn State coach Tim Banks takes over as Tennessee’s new defensive coordinator. Banks has helped build some of college football’s top defensive groups at Penn State, Cincinnati and Central Michigan. Over his career, Banks led his teams to four conference championships and 11 bowl game appearances. Brian Jean-Mary joins Banks on the defense as Tennessee’s linebackers coach. The former Michigan assistant brings 21 years of coaching experience to Rocky Top. Jean-Mary has a reputation of elevating the teams he’s been involved with to the next level, including four conference championships and 16 bowl game appearances. Second time around In addition to the new coaches, defensive line coach Rodney Garner and secondary coach Willie Martinez each return for their second stint in Knoxville. Garner joins Tennessee’s staff as one of its most experienced coaches, with 31 years under his belt. Prior to coming back to Tennessee, Garner was Auburn’s D-line coach. “It’s good to be back on Rocky Top. It’s exciting for me and my family,” Garner said. “It’s something that we’ve talked about. It’s sort of like life is coming full circle, being able to come back here.” Garner’s career speaks for itself, with six conference championships, 32 bowl game appearances, seven NFL Draft ﬁrst-round picks and 10 All-American players. Martinez comes back to Tennessee after a three-year run with Heupel at UCF. During that stretch, the Knights appeared in a bowl game each season. Martinez — a 30-year coaching veteran — has led his teams to 20 bowl game appearances and seven conference championships.

Tennessee head football coach Josh Heupel at fall practice. Courtesy of UT Athletics

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Vols return to full schedule with daunting SEC slate JOSH LANE AND ETHAN STONE Sports Editors

55-0 Tennessee rout. This year, the Golden Eagles will hop on I-40 and head east with hopes of a more competitive contest. Tennessee at Florida – Sept. 25

The Vols’ 12-game schedule features teams from a myriad of backgrounds — some similar to the likes of Tennessee and some that have distanced themselves entirely. Let’s take a look at the Vols’ 2021 opponents. Bowling Green – Sept. 2 Tennessee’s first opponent of the Josh Heupel era will be the Bowling Green State (BGSU) Falcons, a non-conference opponent from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). ‘Rebuild’ doesn’t adequately describe the status of the Falcons program this season. The Falcons posted double-digit losses in all five match-ups last season, the closest of which was a 17-42 loss against Buffalo. Now, third-year head coach Scott Loeffler is looking to lead a young group back into the limelight of MAC relevance once more. BGSU is known as an all-time great program in MAC history, sitting at second behind only Miami (OH) in conference championships with nine. 2015 was the last instance of this and also serves as their last season with a winning record. Pitt – Sept. 11 Pitt’s slot on the schedule provides the toughest non-conference opponent the Vols will play this season. The Panthers of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) are looking to build off a 6-5 campaign last season under seventh year head coach Pat Narduzzi. The Sept. 11 matchup against the Panthers will be a special one for both programs. Legendary Pitt player alumni and Tennessee head coach Johnny Majors will be honored at the game, which has officially been dubbed the ‘Johnny Majors Classic.’ Pitt is a good opponent for a rebuilding Tennessee team to gauge where it is at, as well as an opportunity for the Vols to ease into a brutal Southeastern Conference (SEC) slate as the season progresses. Tennessee Tech – Sept. 18 Tennessee Tech is looking for its first winning season since 2011, when the Golden Eagles lost to Central Arkansas in their first and only Football Champion Subdivision (FCS) playoffs appearance. The Vols’ Sept. 18 matchup welcomes an opponent to Neyland Stadium for the third consecutive week to start the season. Tennessee Tech’s last meeting with the Vols took place in 2016 — a matchup that ended in a

No matter the atmosphere surrounding the start of a Tennessee football season, fans often request just one thing of the team: ‘As long as they beat Florida, we’ll be happy.’ If you follow Tennessee football, you’d know victories against the Gators have been few and far between for the better part of a couple decades. The last win against Florida came under the jurisdiction of a Butch Jonesled 2016 squad that featured Joshua Dobbs, Alvin Kamara and Derek Barnett, to name a few. Those Vols, at one point, were ranked inside the top 10. This year’s Vols share little in common with that team. Tennessee’s first road game of the year is an important one for Heupel and a young team searching for an identity. Tennessee at Missouri – Oct. 2 Tennessee enters week five looking to extend a two-game win streak against Missouri, a team that boasts a 5-4 advantage over the Vols all-time. The Tigers are led by second-year head coach Eli Drinkwitz, the mastermind behind an Appalachian State team that finished 19th in the final AP poll of 2019. The Tigers look to rally behind starting quarterback Connor Bazelak. The redshirt sophomore threw for seven touchdowns last season, but could be in for some struggle without the services of last season’s top receivers, Damon Hazelton and Jalen Knox. The Tigers and Vols are similar in a lot of ways — both were affected by the transfer portal and both are looking to improve upon an underwhelming previous season. South Carolina – Oct. 9 If Tennessee is rebuilding, South Carolina is still in the process of tearing everything down. The Gamecocks will be without Ryan Hilinski and Collin Hill, their two best passers from last season. Not to mention the eventual quarterback will have to work without All-SEC wideout Shi Smith, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in this year’s NFL draft. Shane Beamer will take over for the Gamecocks with a head coaching record of 0-0 to start the 2021 campaign. Beamer and Heupel are two of the SEC’s four head coaches in their first season with their program.

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

2021

FOOTBALL

PICK ‘EM

Josh Lane Sports Editor

Georgia vs. Clemson Louisiana vs. Texas Bowling Green 7 vs. Tennessee 42 Indiana vs. Iowa Alabama vs. Miami North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Ethan Stone Assistant Sports Georgia vs. Clemson Louisiana vs. Texas Bowling Green 10 vs. Tennessee 48 Indiana vs. Iowa Alabama vs. Miami North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Sarah Rainey Editor-in-Chief Georgia vs. Clemson Louisiana vs. Texas Bowling Green 7 vs. Tennessee 21 Indiana vs. Iowa Alabama vs. Miami North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Jake Yoder Managing Editor Georgia vs. Clemson Louisiana vs. Texas Bowling Green 7 vs. Tennessee 35 Indiana vs. Iowa Alabama vs. Miami North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Caleigh Rozmanoski Copy Chief Georgia vs. Clemson Louisiana vs. Texas Bowling Green 9 vs. Tennessee 38 Indiana vs. Iowa Alabama vs. Miami North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Ohio State vs. Minnesota

Alexandra Ashmore Photo Editor Georgia vs. Clemson Louisiana vs. Texas Bowling Green 13 vs. Tennessee 21 Indiana vs. Iowa Alabama vs. Miami North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech Ohio State vs. Minnesota

FOOTBALL PREVIEW STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Ole Miss – Oct. 16 This won’t be the hardest, most meaningful game on the Vols’ schedule, but it very well could be their most satisfying potential win. This mid-October matchup marks the return of Lane Kiffin to Knoxville, some 12 years after his one-year stint at the helm of UT. A small percentage of Volunteer fans — maybe the most desperate ones — hoped Kiffin’s return to Knoxville would be as their head coach. Instead, he brings with him a solid Ole Miss team that just missed out on the AP top-25 preseason poll. In his first season at Ole Miss, Kiffin led the Rebels to a 5-5 record and an Outback Bowl win, capping their first nonlosing season since 2017. Kiffin’s Rebels implemented a new offensive system in the spring that should play more to their strengths, a deep running back room and several versatile weapons at receiver. Tennessee at Alabama – Oct. 23 Do I really need to write anything here? It’s Tennessee. At Alabama. It’s almost poetic that this meeting is scheduled for 15 years and two days since the last time Tennessee beat Alabama. That’s just short

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 • The Daily Beacon of 5,500 days. And, the last time the Vols won in Tuscaloosa was another three years before that. History is not on the Vols’ side. Alabama has dominated this series over the better part of two decades because, simply put, its been the best team in college football. The Tide has probably the best college coach to ever do it in Nick Saban, who is going to be around through the 2028 season. They have a quarterback prospect in Bryce Young who has reportedly earned nearly $1 million in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals before starting a single game. Alabama is the preseason No. 1 and are the heavy favorites for national champions. Don’t forget they won it last year too. Tennessee at Kentucky – Nov. 6 This might be the turning point of Tennessee’s season. Eight games into the schedule, the Vols will get some relief in the form of a bye week after traveling to Tuscaloosa, before another road trip — this one to Lexington. Kentucky is by no means among the elite of the SEC, but it can definitely give Tennessee a run for its money, considering the humiliating 34-7 loss the Vols suffered at the hands of the Wildcats last year. Kentucky’s offense line looks to be one

of the best in the conference, paving the way for star running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., receiver transfer Wan’Dale Robinson and recently-appointed starting quarterback Will Levis to thrive in an explosive offense that will challenge SEC defenses. Georgia – Nov. 13 Tennessee will host Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs in its penultimate SEC game, as its gauntlet of a conference schedule winds down. This could be a proving game for the Vols, should they still be in the hunt this late in the year. Or, Georgia has the chance to effectively drive the final nail in Tennessee’s season. The Bulldogs did essentially that in the Vols’ third game last year. Second-year quarterback JT Daniels has taken strides with this offense, but injuries to several of the Bulldog’s biggest contributors have halted the progress, as starters such as Darnell Washington and Tykee Smith are out. Whether the injury bug is still plaguing Georgia in November when it matters to the Vols remains to be seen. South Alabama – Nov. 20 Finally, a breather for the Vols. The Jaguars have spent all of nine seasons in the

Faculty, staff, commuters must move cars for game on Thursday ETHAN STONE Assistant Sports Editor Ahead of Tennessee’s first matchup of the Josh Heupel era, The Daily Beacon talked to the Sports Director of Falcon Media at Bowling Green State University, Brandon Loe. Here’s how Loe summarized the Vols’ week one opponent. Question: It’s fair to say both teams are in a rebuilding state at the moment. What would you say is a reasonable goal for Bowling Green this year?* Answer: “If you want to look at the season and say ‘hey they have to get four wins,’ that’s a reasonable goal. Four wins isn’t acceptable to any decent school, but I think this is a really high pressure year and teams fight differently with their backs against the wall. He’s (head coach Scott Loeffler) got a lot of his players in now, so it’s going to be really interesting.” Q: What does the Falcons’ quarterback situation look like?* A: “They got a couple of guys, but it’s going to be the same quarterback they had last

year — Matt McDonald. He’s going to start. I know through their camp he’s taken most of the reps which is what they expected coming back this year, but when you look at McDonald compared to the teams they played, he was inefficient. His completion was 44% which isn’t terrible, but the quarterback play has to improve a lot. I know he’s worked a lot over the offseason, so it’s going to be interesting to see what he brings to the table once he sees live competition outside of the guys he sees every day in practice.” Q: Who is Bowling Green’s impact player this year following the departure of Quintin Morris?* A: “I think McDonald is going to have to be the impact player if Bowling Green is going to have any sort of success. He was inefficient compared to opposing quarterbacks last season, and it wasn’t really close. They had Quintin Morris last year at tight end, and they still only threw for one passing touchdown. He’s going to be the center of that.” Q: What position group can pose the biggest threat to the Vols? A: “I think if you look on the defensive

side, Bowling Green only had one all-MAC (Mid-American Conference) preseason selection and that was Karl Brooks. He’s going to be really important. There’s a lot of pressure on him, a lot of eyes to see what he can do with that position group, whether or not they’re going to be able to force pressure. Tennessee is one of the better teams that they are going to face. If they can create some pressure and get in the backfield that’s definitely something that a lot of people here are going to be watching for.” Q: Bowling Green is young this year. How will that translate to the playing field? A: “These are Loeffler’s recruits, as I talked about earlier. You have a coach who has his guys in the system now, and there’s a couple of guys that I’m excited to see, one of them being Tae’ Shaun Johnson. He’s a true freshman receiver out of Central Catholic in Toledo which is just north of here. I got to see him play a lot in high school, and he’s a really explosive player. I think he’s one of the players with the potential to shine this season if used the right way, but I think he’s also got the potential to be a big threat for the Falcons.”

Sun Belt Conference and have yet to finish with a winning record. They won just four games last season under Steve Campbell, who has to be in the hot seat after totaling only nine wins across three seasons. The Jaguars are returning their top passer Desmond Trotter, who threw for 1,917 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2020. Their only other real offensive weapon from a year ago, Carlos Davis, was suspended and entered the transfer portal. This one should be a lock for the Vols. Vanderbilt – Nov. 27 There are no givens in college football, especially with the way Tennessee tends to play down to competition against Vanderbilt, but Tennessee should end its regular season with a win. Vandy did not win a single time in 2020 and has won just one conference game since the start of 2019. The Commodores have a new head coach in Clark Lea who quite literally can do no worse than his predecessor, Derek Mason, did a year ago. Vanderbilt scored 14.8 points per game in 2020 (126th of 128), while allowing 37.3 (113th of 128).

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Vols hope to answer questions against Bowling Green JOSH LANE Sports Editor Tennessee is set to begin the 2021 football season Thursday night against Bowling Green in Neyland Stadium. It has been a long offseason filled with many questions for the Vols, but days away from opening its 125th season, things are rounding into form. Most importantly, the Vols have finally named a starting quarterback — Joe Milton III. It took head coach Josh Heupel the entirety of the fall camp to narrow it down between Milton, Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker and sophomore Harrison Bailey. But in the end, Milton won out. “I mentioned at the beginning of training camp that we thought we would have a starting quarterback by game week. Joe Milton will be our starting quarterback,” Heupel said. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound quarterback from Pahokee, Florida is a dual-threat for the Vols. He has a strong arm and is an accurate passer. Last season, in five games for Michigan, Milton passed for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns, completing 56.7% of his passes. Milton is also extremely dangerous on the ground. For a quarterback of his size, Milton has speed and can make defenses miss. Milton ran for 109 yards and a touchdown for the Wolverines in 2020, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt and a long

of 23. Tennessee naming Milton its starting quarterback should not make too much of a difference in this game. Milton has taken first-team reps for the past seven to 10 days and is familiar enough with the offense that he should be able to easily exploit Bowling Green’s defense that lacks any playmakers outside of defensive lineman Karl Brooks. Bowling Green’s offense is not one that should

give Tennessee any trouble. The Falcons are led by senior quarterback Matt McDonald, who has been nothing but overwhelming since transferring from Boston College. In five games last year, McDonald threw for 712 yards and one touchdown to six interceptions. His 44% completion percentage and 5.8 average yards per pass were solid, but even after an offseason of growth with Bowling Green, McDonald is not going to win the Falcons this game.

Aubrey Solomon, #98, tackles an opposing player at the UAB football game in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, November 2, 2019. File / The Daily Beacon

This matchup gives Tennessee the perfect opportunity to test out its questionable secondary. While some questions have been answered, the Vols have by no means finalized its backfield. Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks have played guys around on the defensive side of the ball to create some versatility. This will be a good time to establish some roles more firmly. The same thing can be said for Tennessee’s defensive line. This was a group that had plenty of questions of its own, particularly concerning the depth. The guys at the top of the depth chart, Matthew Butler and Aubrey Solomon are established veterans, but the experience quickly stops there. Omari Thomas, Dominic Bailey and Amari McNeill are former blue chip prospects that have yet to prove themselves. Thursday night could be an excellent time to do that, as Bowling Green’s offensive line is a huge problem outside of preseason All-Mid-American Conference guard Sam Neverov. “You’ve got to do a great job being gapped out and handling the misdirection, the counter plays,” Heupel said on containing Bowling Green. “You’ve got to be able to fit things extremely well, and then we’ve got to play up the field and create some distortion and play on the other side of the line of scrimmage with our front as well. But, you’ve got to handle the play action pass too.”