The Tennessee-Kent State game isn’t supposed to much of an affair. Just ask the oddsmakers.
For those that like to sport in such ventures, the Vols are a 49.5-point favorite against the Golden Flashes. However, fun things can happen in Neyland Stadium even if the score is one-sided.
Here are four predictions about the Tennessee-Kent State game.
Bru will flash – and score
We’ve seen Bru McCoy, who is one of the top NFL prospects on Tennessee’s football team per an NFL scout, show off his receiving ability with seven catches for 99 yards this season. However, that’s not enough. McCoy still doesn’t have a touchdown. That will change against Kent State.
And for those that like to leave the game early to avoid traffic, don’t worry. McCoy will score in the first quarter.
Tennessee will have at least three sacks
I know you’ve heard all about the Vols’ defensive line. Yes, they’re very good and have been very disruptive this season. However, here’s something you probably don’t know. They’re hungry. Why? They only have four sacks this season.
Tennessee’s coaches knew they didn’t have to manhandle Chattanooga or they could have had four sacks in the first half against the Mocs. Then, the Vols missed out on several sacks against North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall because the Wolfpack game plan called for getting the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible. Moreover, McCall is an experienced player with good mobility that knew to get rid of the ball, so he was tougher to bring down.
That won’t be the case this week. Kent State has already given up six sacks this season, which is tied for 113th in the nation. Tennessee will get to Kent State quarterback Devin Kargman at least a trio of times.
James Pearce Jr., will have at least one of those
Perhaps the best player in the nation, Pearce hasn’t seemingly had much of an impact this season – if you’re not paying close attention. After playing just 10 plays against Chattanooga and often dropping into pass coverage, Pearce was a disruptive force in the backfield against North Carolina State. As defensive linemen like to say, he’ll get “home” on Saturday.
Prediction
The worst team I’ve ever seen in Neyland Stadium was in 2000 when the Vols pounded Louisiana-Monroe and could have scored 100 points if former Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer didn’t call the Vols off early. That contest ended in a 70-3 score, so…
Tennessee 70, Kent State 3
