Volstorm
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from collegefootballnews.com:
UNLV at Tennessee, 8:00 PM ET ESPN2
Why to watch: Be very, very careful Tennessee. All hopes for a big season and overall national respect can quickly go bye-bye against a UNLV team that should be extremely dangerous and good enough to come out of Knoxville with the win. The Rebels have defensive playmakers to dream of a repeat of last season's 23-5 shocker at Wisconsin if the Vols aren't playing at midseason form right away. Don't be the slightest bit shocked if this turns into one of the weekend's best games.
Why UNLV might win: Defense. Led by superstar safety Jamaal Brimmer and possibly the best linebacking corps the Vols will face outside of Georgia's, this veteran D could wreak havoc on a Tennessee offense starting a true freshman at quarterback. UNLV QB Kurt Nantkes got the starting nod and he should be extremely effective now that he's healthy for the first time in a year.
Why Tennessee might win: It's UNLV meaning the team rarely plays up to its overall talent level. All the parts are there for the Rebels on both sides of the ball with experience, talent and athleticism, but that doesn't mean it's going to all come together. Tennessee finds ways to beat good mid-major non-conference teams at home and should have just enough talent on both sides of the ball to overcome the lack of experience. This might be a young Volunteer team, but it's very athletic.
Who to watch: One of college football's hottest topics has been the decision by Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer to go with true freshmen Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge at quarterback. These are two talented options for Fulmer to choose from, but they're still true freshmen playing in front of over 100,000 people against a fast, veteran defense. It's asking a lot for them to shine right away without any experienced receivers to bail them out.
What will happen: It's not going out on a limb to predict a UNLV win. On paper everything is there for the upset as experience usually wins out in the first game of the year. Tennessee has enough talent to overcome the holes on offense and needs its offensive line to dominate from start to finish. If that doesn't happen, the Rebels will win. The prediction is assuming Michael Munoz and the Volunteer front wall will control the tempo of the game and not force the quarterbacks to have to make big plays.
CFN Prediction: Tennessee 20 ... UNLV 17 ... Line: Tennessee -20
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Plan Star Jones' wedding on The View) ... 4
From Volstorm:
Vols 28 UNLV 17
UNLV at Tennessee, 8:00 PM ET ESPN2
Why to watch: Be very, very careful Tennessee. All hopes for a big season and overall national respect can quickly go bye-bye against a UNLV team that should be extremely dangerous and good enough to come out of Knoxville with the win. The Rebels have defensive playmakers to dream of a repeat of last season's 23-5 shocker at Wisconsin if the Vols aren't playing at midseason form right away. Don't be the slightest bit shocked if this turns into one of the weekend's best games.
Why UNLV might win: Defense. Led by superstar safety Jamaal Brimmer and possibly the best linebacking corps the Vols will face outside of Georgia's, this veteran D could wreak havoc on a Tennessee offense starting a true freshman at quarterback. UNLV QB Kurt Nantkes got the starting nod and he should be extremely effective now that he's healthy for the first time in a year.
Why Tennessee might win: It's UNLV meaning the team rarely plays up to its overall talent level. All the parts are there for the Rebels on both sides of the ball with experience, talent and athleticism, but that doesn't mean it's going to all come together. Tennessee finds ways to beat good mid-major non-conference teams at home and should have just enough talent on both sides of the ball to overcome the lack of experience. This might be a young Volunteer team, but it's very athletic.
Who to watch: One of college football's hottest topics has been the decision by Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer to go with true freshmen Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge at quarterback. These are two talented options for Fulmer to choose from, but they're still true freshmen playing in front of over 100,000 people against a fast, veteran defense. It's asking a lot for them to shine right away without any experienced receivers to bail them out.
What will happen: It's not going out on a limb to predict a UNLV win. On paper everything is there for the upset as experience usually wins out in the first game of the year. Tennessee has enough talent to overcome the holes on offense and needs its offensive line to dominate from start to finish. If that doesn't happen, the Rebels will win. The prediction is assuming Michael Munoz and the Volunteer front wall will control the tempo of the game and not force the quarterbacks to have to make big plays.
CFN Prediction: Tennessee 20 ... UNLV 17 ... Line: Tennessee -20
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Plan Star Jones' wedding on The View) ... 4
From Volstorm:
Vols 28 UNLV 17
