Just as the Tennessee Football offense finally seems to be finding its rhythm, the Vols have to go on the road to face a Missouri Tigers team more dangerous than anybody thought they would be at the beginning of the year. Here are the five Vols who will be key in the game if UT is to come out of it with a quality win.
5. Jaylen Wright
In terms of efficiency, Mizzou has been strong across the board this year, but the weakest part of that is the yards per rush they allow, which is over four. The Vols have three running backs they can turn to plus their quarterback when it comes to their run game, but Jaylen Wright is clearly the most important player of that group. If he goes off, UT wins.
4. Jaylen McCollough
Mizzou has thrown two interceptions in each of their losses, and both time a safety came down with one of them. Last week, Jaylen McCollough had a pick-six against the UConn Huskies. Rocky Top will need him to step up again in this one. Possessions is a huge stat against an Eli Drinkwitz-led team, so if McCollough is able to take one away, that will be huge.
3. Squirrel White
Last week, Ladd McConkey had 95 yards receiving against Mizzou, and earlier in the year, Malik Nabers of the LSU Tigers had over 140 yards receiving. The best playmaker in the receiving corps. is the best chance to beat this team. That’s obviously Squirrel White for Tennessee Football. UT needs a 100-yard game from him to secure this win.
2. Elijah Herring
Given the zone reads and the quick passes that Mizzou does, UConn was actually a nice teaser for the Vols before this game. Elijah Herring will be key against this defense. The middle linebacker has to remain in position to stop the running plays, and when he drops back in coverage, there will be some chances for interceptions.
1. Joe Milton III
He’s hitting his stride at just the right time. Now, Joe Milton III has a two-week stretch that could define his legacy with Tennessee Football. Milton’s legs will be key in this game as much as his arm given how Mizzou can struggle with mobile quarterbacks, but he’ll still need to hit a couple of those deep shots that are a staple of Josh Heupel’s offense.
