Below is a look at Tennessee’s national stat rankings side-by-side with the corollary rankings for the UAB Blazers.
The first thing to note is this, and we’ll be saying it repeatedly this week: UAB’s strength of schedule is dead last in the FBS, 130th out of 130 teams. Tennessee’s is currently 12th. Therefore, all of the Blazers’ numbers are inflated. The following is presented in the regular format, but any valid takeaways will be in the form of what UAB has been doing well and not doing well against its competition. That information is put alongside what the Vols are and aren’t doing well, but trust the “advantages” information this week at your own risk.
Details below.
When the Vols have the ball
Where’s the opportunity?
UAB is apparently not likely to intercept the ball, which is good because last week notwithstanding, the Vols have been a little too generous in that regard.
Where’s the danger?
Once again, last week notwithstanding, the offense has not been the strength of the 2019 Tennessee Volunteers team. On the other hand, UAB’s resume against its current competition has been built on defense, and they are currently ranked in the Top 10 in seven defensive categories. They appear to be equally good defending the run and the pass.
Gameplan for the Vols on offense
Do what you do best and adjust as the results come in.
Vols on defense
Where’s the opportunity?
UAB apparently has a fondness for throwing interceptions, which is cool because Tennessee’s defense finds them particularly delicious. The Blazers appear marginally better on offense through the air, so this could be a fun matchup to watch, as they’ll likely lean on their strength but find it much tougher sledding than usual. UAB’s rushing offense doesn’t appear particularly troublesome.
Where’s the danger?
If there’s danger, it appears to be in the passing game, as that’s where they get most of their yards when they’re not throwing it to the other team. They haven’t allowed many sacks, so pressuring the quarterback may prove frustrating.
Gameplan for the Vols on defense
Play nickel. Intercept when possible, tackle in space if they catch it.
Special teams
I don’t really see much of anything here, although the Vols appear to have the advantage in most of the things that might matter, save net punting.
Turnovers and penalties
¯\_(ツ)_/¯