After a 69-3 win over the Chattanooga Mocs, Tennessee Football will almost certainly play its starters a lot more snaps this week as the Vols get set to face the N.C. State Wolfpack in Charlotte. It’s a top 25 matchup and a solid Power Five test for UT. Here are the five players from Rocky Top who have to step up in this game.
5. Arion Carter
Last year, N.C. State was one of the worst teams in the country at allowing tackles for a loss, largely due to the creativity Dave Doeren and offensive coordinator Robert Anae scheme in the run game. This gives Arion Carter a chance to make tons of plays. The Vols linebacker has been waiting to explode onto the scene, and he’ll have his shot Saturday.
4. Nico Iamaleava
Just with the throws he made against UTC, Tennessee Football quarterback Nico Iamaleava has fans more excited than they have been in years. The signal-caller hopes to have launched his Heisman campaign, but this will obviously be a more significant test to show whether or not he and Josh Heupel can torch anybody this year.
3. Keenan Pili
N.C. State’s creativity in the run game that we mentioned involves RPOs, and while it does result in tackles for loss, it can also generate big plays. That puts the onus on middle linebacker Keenan Pili to show the necessary lateral quickness to make plays and to also stay in his position while keeping everybody else in theirs. He’s crucial to shutting down this attack.
2. Boo Carter
In the passing game, N.C. State used slot receiver Kevin Concepion and tight end Justin Joly last week. That’s typically where they lean, which also makes Pili crucial, but it makes Boo Carter important as well. The freshman already made a splash at STAR for Tennessee Football last week, but the Wolfpack will likely target him a lot this week, so he needs to be careful.
1. Squirrel White
While they work their slots and tight ends a good bit, N.C. State also gives up yards to such receivers. Last week, 5’8″ 170-pound Western Carolina Catamounts receiver A.J. Colombo had six catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Now, it’s Squirrel White’s turn. After a quiet week last week, the Tennessee Football receiver should be able to get open a lot on Saturday, so he should rack up yards.
