Below is a look at Tennessee’s national stat rankings side-by-side with the counterpart rankings for the Missouri Tigers.
When the Vols have the ball
Where’s the opportunity?
Most places on offense, primarily on the ground.
Where’s the danger?
Protecting the quarterback.
Gameplan for the Vols on offense
Lean on the strength of the offense, which is running the ball. And as always, pass enough to avoid becoming one dimensional.
Vols on defense
Where’s the opportunity?
Rushing defense, creating havoc in the Tigers’ backfield, both through sacks and TFLs.
Where’s the danger?
Pass defense and red zone defense.
Gameplan for the Vols on defense
Rob the rush defense a bit to shore up the pass defense. Contain Missouri’s quarterback, who can turn bad plays into good one with his legs. Derail them early to try to keep them out of the red zone.
Special teams
Where’s the opportunity?
This would be a really good game to return another punt for a touchdown. The opportunity is there.
Where’s the danger?
There doesn’t appear to be much danger here.
Turnovers and penalties
Missouri’s good at protecting the ball, but not so good at creating turnovers. Tennessee needs to not help them this weekend. Expect both teams to give each other yards and opportunities via penalties.