This week Tennessee finds itself in a similar situation to what Florida faced last week. The Vols are giving 21 points Saturday night at home. Six days ago in the Swamp, the Gators were 30 point favorites.
The Florida number was definitely inflated (as they managed a +10 win). Tennessee fans are anticipating a 31 point margin on VN’s Predict the Score Contest. It seems unlikely that Ohio will impose their will on The Big Orange at home. But will the Vols be able to control the game like a three touchdown favorite should do?
This is one game the Vols must win. There’s no good purpose served giving back what was gained last week. Namely a game where nationally Tennessee came off in a positive light despite the loss.
The coaching staff has monitored the mood and set the tone. Winning like you’re supposed to, is almost as big as winning itself in the college game today. Just ask Florida.
At this point last season on the Plains in Alabama, Tennessee would fall to 1-3 in a game where the offense just refused to win. Once again, there will be close attention paid to the offense. Ohio has an experienced defense, not a great one.
Barring some freakish weather or the lights going out in Neyland Stadium, the opportunity is here once again to get better across the board.
So what would constitute a solid win as opposed to a sketchy or anemic one? At the top of the list is playing sharp. This includes keeping penalties in check. The Vols has done a nice job thru three games (3.67 per game). Another aspect of sharp focused play would be no turnovers (something that’s yet to happen this season). Last, but every bit as important, closing out drives with touchdowns.
Coach Kiffin will do what he sees as what is best for the program at quarterback. With that said it would be shocking if he made any change at this position. This game is another chance to build confidence and momentum in the passing game.
Ohio is, depending on whose poll you look at, ranked approximately 50 spots higher than Western Kentucky. They definitely have a better defense. A comparable performance to Jonathan Crompton’s first game would be a notable improvement.
If that is it the case, hopefully ‘what happens in Rocky Top stays in Rocky Top’ for the two game that follow. It should be fun, first night game of the season, and Tennessee looking for a solid W.