Although the UConn Huskies are 1-7, four of their losses are by one score, and they haven’t lost a game by two scores or more since September. Simply put, this team can put up a fight. Tennessee Football doesn’t want that, as the Vols would like the game to be over by halftime. If they are going to pull off such a thing, these are the UConn players they must focus on.
5. Jackson Mitchell, LB
The captain of the defense, Jackson Mitchell is the team’s leading tackler with 81 on the year. He has 39 solo tackles, which also leads the team, along with four and a half tackles for a loss, an interception, a pass deflection, a fumble recovery and even a defensive touchdown. Simply put, he does it all.
4. Ta’Quan Roberson, QB
This is a default choice, as you should always focus on an opposing team’s quarterback. However, Ta’Quan Roberson is only completing 57.8 percent of his passes, averaging under 190 yards a game and averaging under six and a half yards a pass. However, he has eight touchdowns and three interceptions, and in Jim Mora Jr.’s west coast offense, he can be a threat.
3. Pryce Yates, DE
Joe Milton III took two sacks last week, and while those two were both largely due to pass protection, Tennessee Football can’t have those happen in this game. The Vols need to score a lot to put this one away early, and sacks can stall that. Pryce Yates as an edge rusher would cause such things for UConn. He has eight and a half tackles for a loss and three and a half sacks this year.
2. Chris Shearin, DB
A big part of UConn’s defense is relying on the safeties to make big plays. Chris Shearin is key for that as the Huskies’ starting safety. He has two pass deflections on the year, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Given Joe Milton III’s consistency issues, Shearin could be a concern if he starts to struggle.
1. Camryn Edwards, RB
Victor Rosa was the primary running back for UConn throughout most of the season, but he was dealing with an ankle injury the past couple weeks. That has led to the emergence of Camryn Edwards, who has had over 100 yards from scrimmage each of the last two weeks. Tennessee Football will have to take him out of the game in order to win easily, as he’s UConn’s best weapon.
