For the second straight week, Tennessee Football is in a matchup in which the key players are just those we are looking to glean information from. The Vols should sleepwalk their way to victory over the Austin Peay Governors. In the process, here are key UT players to keep an eye on.
5. Doneiko Slaughter
APSU head coach Scotty Walden is a cutting edge offensive mind at his level and is willing to run tempo while airing it out. That will test the Vols’ secondary, which the Virginia Cavaliers didn’t do. Doneiko Slaughter is the one with the most potential at cornerback, which needs to be tested the most, so what he does could be an indication of how the season goes.
4. Bru McCoy
Against UVA, Ramel Keyton and Squirrel White saw more action than Bru McCoy. Joe Milton III targeted McCoy a few times but only connected once. Josh Heupel may throw his way more times in this game just so he can get into some sort of rhythm before Tennessee Football heads to Gainesville, Fla., in a week.
3. John Campbell Jr.
There’s no debate about John Campbell Jr.’s raw talent. However, it’s questionable if he can make the right decisions every play. Austin Peay is the perfect game to test that, as he shouldn’t face any real threat on the other side. UT needs Campbell at left tackle to not whiff on blocks or commit penalties when they visit the Florida Gators.
2. Arion Carter
Keenan Pili received a game ball from Tim Banks, and Aaron Beasley made plays as expected against the Cavs. Facing an up-tempo offense at the FCS level this week, though, is the perfect opportunity for Arion Carter, the most hyped up freshmen on the team, to see some meaningful action. Look for him to make a few more plays.
1. Nico Iamaleava
He only played a couple drives at the end of last week. Tennessee Football should be able to throw in Nico Iamaleava a lot earlier this week, though, and this is the perfect game to get his feet wet. Look for Josh Heupel to dial up a few long balls with Iamaleava in the game. Milton should have this in hand by halftime.
