The Tennessee Vols got off to a winning start in Week 1 as they took down an overmatched Bowling Green squad 38-6. Things get immediately tougher in Week 2 as they face off against a Pittsburgh Panthers team that was even more impressive in Week 1 as they obliterated UMass 51-7. Here are the three keys to a Vol win:
By Steve Wright
Solve the Pitt defensive front
UMass isn’t a good indicator of how good the Pitt pash rush actually is – the Minutemen are terrible – but recent history shows us that no matter who the Panthers lose from year to year the front seven will still be outstanding. They limited UMass to just 42 rushing yards in their big win and had five sacks of the quarterback. Joe Milton has plenty of elusiveness, but if he is running for his life all afternoon then it will be a long day at the office for the Tennessee quarterback.
Run the ball effectively
Milton was far from sharp through the air against the Falcons. He was 11-of-23 passing against a secondary he would have expected to torch and that could be an issue against a Pitt secondary that can get burned by taking chances, but that in general will be far more stout. Where Tennessee will need to dominate is on the ground. Head coach Josh Heupel realized this last weekend – the team went for over 300 yards rushing – and committing to that again will be important even if Pitt stands up against the ground game early.
No mistakes
This is a big early game for both squads. Heupel will be worried some of the shine will be taken off of his bid to return Tennessee to national prominence with a defeat here, while Pitt (and the entire ACC really) need a win over a brand name program. These two teams are close in terms of talent and the winner will be the team that makes fewer mistakes over the course of 60 minutes.
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