Tennessee returns to Neyland Stadium with considerable momentum after an impressive 45–24 road victory over Georgia Tech.
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7:45 p.m. ET — SEC Network
Tennessee returns to Neyland Stadium with considerable momentum after an impressive 45–24 road victory over Georgia Tech. The Volunteers are 2–0 and should have an opportunity to continue developing their offense against Kennesaw State.
Kennesaw State enters at 1–1 after losing 31–17 to Georgia State last weekend. The Owls face an enormous step up in competition against a Tennessee team that demonstrated its explosiveness in Atlanta.
The Volunteers’ biggest challenge is maintaining focus. A comfortable favorite sandwiched between a road rivalry game and future SEC competition can create opportunities for sloppy football. Tennessee needs to eliminate that possibility early.
Expect the Volunteers to attack with tempo and attempt to create explosive plays from the opening possession. If Tennessee establishes a multiple-score lead, the coaching staff should have an opportunity to work younger players into meaningful snaps.
Kennesaw State’s best strategy is to shorten the game, possess the football and avoid turnovers. The Owls cannot afford to give Tennessee additional possessions or short fields. They also need to prevent the Volunteers from scoring quickly enough to turn the second half into little more than an extended scrimmage.
Tennessee simply possesses too much speed and depth for Kennesaw State to match over four quarters. The more important questions involve execution: Can the Volunteers avoid penalties? Can they protect the football? Can the defense maintain intensity against an overmatched opponent?
If Tennessee handles those details, this should be comfortable.
Prediction: Tennessee 48, Kennesaw State 13
